such as fast attack craft. Naval guns may also be used in an anti-surface role. Anti-aircraft warfare Anti-aircraft warfare (AAW) is typically defensive in nature, protecting the ship and other friendly ships against both aircraft and incoming missiles (which may be fired from aircraft, but also from other ships, submarines or land platforms). Some surface combatants are developing anti-ballistic missile and/or anti-satellite missile capabilities. Land attack Land attack takes two main forms: Naval gunfire support - support to troops ashore, often as part of an amphibious operation Strategic strike - Killing high-value targets, often at long range using land-attack cruise missiles such as Tomahawk or Kalibr USN categories In the United States Navy, there are two divisions of surface combatant missions: Battle Force Capability (BFC): defines ships capable of command of the sea and power projection: in a carrier battle group as units of a Surface Action Group (SAG) without a carrier. Protection of Shipping (POS): defines ships intended to protect: traditional convoys underway replenishment groups amphibious warfare groups Notes References Warships