U.S. Marines hustle through the grass to their position as they assault Red Beach near Hat Yai, Thailand, during an amphibious assault on May 20, 1997. The Marines from 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Camp Pendleton, Calif., are taking part in Exercise Cobra Gold '97. Cobra Gold '97 is the latest in a continuing series of U.S. /Thai military exercises designed to ensure regional peace and strengthen the ability of the Royal Thai Armed Forces to defend Thailand. The training includes joint combined air, land and sea operations. Cobra Gold is the largest strategic mobility exercise involving the U.S. Pacific Command forces this year.