PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 30, 2021) A naval special warfare (NSW) combatant craft carrying U.S. NSW operators and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force sailors pulls alongside the Bob Hope-class large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ship USNS Pililaau (T-AK 304) for a simulated boarding as part of MALABAR 2021. MALABAR 2021 is an example of the enduring partnership between Australian, Indian, Japanese and American maritime forces, who routinely operate together in the Indo-Pacific, fostering a cooperative approach toward regional security and stability. NSW is the nation’s premiere maritime special operations force and is uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach and deliver all-domain options for naval and joint force commanders. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Amara Timberlake)