Ensign John Bozzelli climbs aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason from a rigid hull inflatable boat. (Rob Aylward/Courtesy of U.S. Navy)

Ensign John Bozzelli climbs aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason from a rigid hull inflatable boat. (Rob Aylward/Courtesy of U.S. Navy)

Electronics Technician 2nd Class Tristan McAnaney provides rear security during a VBSS exercise. ( Rob Aylward/Courtesy of U.S. Navy)

Servicemembers with the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason and guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto honed their board, search and seizure skills recently in an exercise in the Red Sea.

Navy VBSS teams are trained to board vessels for various purposes such as counterterrorism missions, combating piracy and smuggling, or conducting customs and safety inspections at sea.

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