The U.S. and South Korea kicked off three-day joint naval exercises in the East Sea on Monday, seeking to improve military readiness to defend against North Korean submarines and enemy provocations at sea.

The anti-submarine and maritime interdiction exercises are also aimed at enhancing joint operational capabilities and improving interoperability between the U.S. and South Korea navies, according to a ROK navy press release on Tuesday. 

“Combined forces will conduct most exercises assuming scenarios involving threats from enemy submarines,” the ROK navy press release stated.  

Forces from both sides will also undertake Maritime Counter Special Operations Force (MCSOF) operations to