Maritime Expeditionary Security Force

In the U.S. Navy, as part of littoral warfare initiatives, the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force has been formed to provide integrated at-sea and coastal security. They fill a niche that other military organizations have done as a secondary role.

For example, the United States Navy SEALs are quite capable of boarding and security, but they are an elite special operations unit expected to carry the fight to the enemy. U.S. Marines also have an offensive orientation, although generally in larger units than SEALs, and with fewer at-sea skills. United States Coast Guard units are a hybrid of law enforcement and military skills, although they may be the most skilled in seamanship.