Maritime operations include any actions performed by maritime forces to gain or exploit command of the sea, sea control, and/or sea denial or to project power from the sea. Sea control may include naval cooperation and guidance for shipping (NCAGS), protection of sea lines of communications (SLOCs), air lines of communications (ALOCs), blockades, embargoes against economic or military shipping, and maritime interception operations (MIO). Maritime operations also encompass operations to locate, classify, track, and target surface vessels, submarines, and aircraft. In addition, amphibious operations increase the commander’s options for maneuver in the littorals and forcible entry operations.