A South Korean navy admiral will command warships during the U.S.-led Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) for the first time, a milestone one expert says could bolster Seoul’s ability to lead allied naval forces in a contingency with North Korea.

Troops from 30 countries will participate in the biennial exercise scheduled June 24 to July 31 off the coast of Hawaii, U.S. Third Fleet announced Thursday. This year’s drills will consist of over 25,000 personnel, 40 surface ships, five submarines and roughly 140 aircraft.

South Korea was selected to serve as maritime component commander and have control over