Philippine Sailors assigned to Naval Special Operations Units and U.S. Naval Special Warfare operators walk to cover during a bilateral over the beach training exercise in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines during Balikatan 23, April 26, 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)