In addition, seven Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships and four support aircraft, consisting of Nimrod maritime patrol and Hercules transport planes will be part of the force.

CNN: Raiding role for British troops

The first possible example of a maritime attack that impacted the US was on September 13, 1814 when the British fleet staged an attack on the Port of Baltimore (they identified this as the most strategic attack point in the country).

FORBES: Connect

The world boasts a fleet of more than 50, 000 cargo-carrying vessels, according to the International Maritime Organization.

FORBES: Plug-in-Power Set for Massive Growth at Major Ports