U.S. shows off amphibious skills for world's military leaders

BELLOWS AIR FORCE STATION, Hawaii -- U.S. Marines and sailors are demonstrating for military leaders from around the Pacific how to land troops on a beach.

Military officers from 23 nations are learning about developing amphibious skills at the inaugural U.S. Pacific Command Amphibious Leaders Symposium in Hawaii.

On Tuesday, they watched U.S. Marines and sailors who are participating in an exercise called Culebra Koa 2015 come ashore at Bellows Air Force Station.

U.S. treaty allies Japan and the Philippines are attending the symposium along with U.S. partners like Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.

Organizers say they aim to discuss how the militaries could develop amphibious capabilities and operate together.

The first-of-its kind symposium comes as territorial disputes over islands are growing more heated in the Asia-Pacific region.

Last November, President Barack Obama and the prime ministers of Japan and Australia committed to deepen their military cooperation and work together on strengthening maritime security in the Asia Pacific.