170503-N-TB410-0073 ARABIAN GULF (May 3, 2017) Royal Saudi Naval Forces sailors pull alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) while conducting a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercise with Mahan’s VBSS team during Exercise Nautical Union 17. The bilateral multi-dimensional exercise between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia promotes interoperability, cross-training and maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua Bryce Bruns/Released)