An area generally similar to a defensive sea area in purpose except that it may be established any place on the high seas. Maritime control areas are normally established only in time of war. (Source: DOD)

One of the subdivisions of a coastal area. (Source: DOD)

The oceans, seas, bays, estuaries, islands, coastal areas, and the airspace above these, including the littorals. (Source: DOD)

The effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of a nation. (Source: DOD)

Forces that operate on, under, or above the sea to gain or exploit command of the sea, sea control, or sea denial and/or to project power from the sea. (Source: DOD)

Efforts to monitor, query, and board merchant vessels in international waters to enforce sanctions against other nations such as those in support of United Nations Security Council Resolutions and/or prevent the transport of restricted goods. (Source: DOD)

Power projection in and from the maritime environment, including a broad spectrum of offensive military operations to destroy enemy forces or logistic support or to prevent enemy forces from approaching within enemy weapons' range of friendly forces. Maritime power projection may be accomplished by amphibious assault operations, attack of targets ashore, or support of sea control operations. (Source: DOD)

A rapid deployment and assembly of a Marine expeditionary force in a secure area using a combination of intertheater airlift and forward-deployed maritime pre-positioning ships. See also Marine expeditionary force; maritime pre-positioning ships. (Source: DOD)

Civilian-crewed, Military Sealift Command-chartered ships that are organized into three squadrons and are usually forward-deployed. These ships are loaded with pre-positioned equipment and 30 days of supplies to support three Marine expeditionary brigades. (Source: DOD)

The waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; the territories and possessions of the United States (except Canal Zone and the inland area of Alaska), and designated areas of the high seas. See also search and rescue region. (Source: DOD)

A task-organized force formed from elements of a Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable) and naval special warfare forces that can be quickly tailored to a specific mission. The maritime special purpose force can execute on short notice a wide variety of missions in a supporting, supported, or unilateral role. It focuses on operations in a maritime environment and is capable of operations in conjunction with or in support of special operations forces. The maritime special purpose force is integral to and directly relies upon the Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable) for all combat and combat service support. (Source: DOD)

That degree of dominance of one force over another that permits the conduct of maritime operations by the former and its related land, sea, and air forces at a given time and place without prohibitive interference by the opposing force. (Source: DOD)

That degree of maritime superiority wherein the opposing force is incapable of effective interference. (Source: DOD)

Maritime interception operations.

See: maritime interception operations (MIO).

Maritime pre-positioning ships.

See: maritime pre-positioning ships (MPS).

Maritime special purpose force.

See: maritime special purpose force (MSPF).