US Marines, sailors demonstrate amphibious skills for military leaders from around the Pacific

A U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) amphibious vehicle rushes the beach at Bellows Air Force Station on Oahu, Hawaii during joint amphibious exercises, as the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy host defense leaders from around the Pacific, Tuesday, May 19, 2015. The first-of-its kind meeting comes as territorial disputes over islands are growing more heated in the region. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) (The Associated Press)

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U.S. Marines sit in an amphibious assault vehicle at Bellows Air Force Station on Oahu, Hawaii during amphibious exercises, as the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy host defense leaders from around the Pacific, Tuesday, May 19, 2015. The first-of-its kind meeting comes as territorial disputes over islands are growing more heated in the region. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) (The Associated Press)

A U.S. Marine amphibious assault vehicle climbs ashore at Bellows Air Force Station on Oahu, Hawaii during joint amphibious exercises, as the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy host defense leaders from around the Pacific, Tuesday, May 19, 2015. The first-of-its kind meeting comes as territorial disputes over islands are growing more heated in the region. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) (The Associated Press)

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.