Philippine Sailors assigned to Naval Special Operations Units and U.S. Naval Special Warfare operators inspect a BELL 412 combat utility helicopter assigned to the Philippine Air Force 205th Tacitical Heliport Wing before practicing fast rope exercises at Joint Task Force Malampaya in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines during Balikatan 23, April 15, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Naval Special Warfare is the nation’s elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach and gain and maintain access for the Joint Force in competition and conflict. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel Gaither)