Nowhere is that more evident than here in the Western Pacific where our forward deployed Naval forces work to further those relationships while helping to provide the stability that is so essential to the economic well-being of this complex region. First, naval forces are often the enabling vehicle to building better relationships among nations. It is particularly comfortable for naval forces to operate together at sea and in international waters. Exchanges and Multilateral gatherings such as the Western Pacific Naval Symposium, Search and Rescue exercises with many countries including Hong Kong and the Biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise are all examples of how we further this concept. All promote cooperation, dialogue, peaceful development and recognize shared interest.
Naval forces have an expeditionary quality.
A culture and a rhythm to move rapidly to where we are needed. Such forces can be properly inserted into a situation, and then just as readily withdrawn. Because we are accustomed to tailoring different capabilities to different situations, we were able to provide the right balance of forces to complement the efforts of our coalition partners. This is an increasingly important characteristic as we move towards greater multi-lateral engagement and response to regional issues. They are unique in that they enjoy access.