Ships from the U.S. and the Royal Thai Navy kicked off the joint anti-submarine and maritime…

Ships from the U.S. and the Royal Thai Navy kicked off the joint anti-submarine and maritime domain awareness exercise Guardian Sea on May 22.

The drill is taking place in the Andaman Sea and will last until May 28.

The bilateral exercise focuses on strengthening U.S. and Royal Thai Navy anti-submarine warfare (ASW) procedures and proficiency through symposia, planning discussions, personnel exchanges and at-sea events.

Representing the U.S. Navy at Guardian Sea is the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104), a Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine and a P-3C Orion. Staff from Commander, Task Force 73 and Destroyer Squadron 7 will participate while embarked onboard U.S. ships and aircraft.

Participating ships from the Royal Thai Navy include the Naresuan-class frigate HTMS Taksin (FFG 422) and the Khamronsin-class corvette HTMS Long Lom (FS 533).

US Navy attack submarine joins Andaman Sea drill