How do maritime forces help protect the homeland?

Maritime forces play a crucial role in homeland security by disrupting and neutralizing threats far from U.S. shores. This proactive approach is essential because it allows the military to engage potential threats before they reach the homeland, ensuring a defensive posture that minimizes risks to civilians and infrastructure. By conducting operations in international waters and within areas of strategic interest, maritime forces can effectively deter hostile actions, gather intelligence, and respond to emerging threats.

This approach not only protects the U.S. homeland but also reinforces national interests and promotes stability in critical regions. Engaging threats at a distance allows for a more robust and secure defense strategy, enabling the United States to maintain peace and deter aggression without the need for an immediate response on home soil.