At the heart of NATO’s maritime strategy lies the Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence. This vital organization, located in Norfolk, United States, serves as the Alliance’s intellectual hub for naval warfare. By forging partnerships with militaries, governments, industries, and academic institutions worldwide, the Centre is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to complex maritime challenges.
Established in 2006 and representing 13 Allied nations, the Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence is the only NATO-accredited Centre of Excellence in the United States. It is led by a Director, Vice Admiral Douglas G. Perry, United States Navy, who is also Commander of U.S. SECOND FLEET and NATO’s Joint Force Command Norfolk. The Centre of Excellence is uniquely able to promote best practices within the Alliance thanks to it being co-located on the same base with NATO Allied Command Transformation, U.S. FLEET FORCES, U.S. SECOND FLEET / NATO’s Joint Force Command Norfolk, and several neighbouring U.S. Commands.
Their mission is to support the nations who sponsor the Centre of Excellence, and NATO, improve their ability to conduct Allied Combined Joint Operations from the Sea. This is done in order to counter current and emerging global security challenges, with a distinctly maritime perspective.
Comprised of 25 permanent staff members, the Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence provides a maritime focus for Alliance warfare development, and acts as a conceptual trans-Atlantic bridge for the Alliance Maritime Enterprise. The Centre also drives maritime interoperability and integration, and supports NATO transformation. With these goals in mind, their 2024 Programme of Work consists of the following five lines of effort:
- Cognitive Superiority; Understanding Challenges and Competitors in the Maritime
- Force Development; Driving Interoperability and Integration
- Multi-Domain Operations
- Innovation; Development of Innovative and Disruptive Capabilities
- Development and Integration of Amphibious Capability
In the past year, the Centre has achieved notable milestones, including the completion of over 20 projects and deliverables. Highlights include its pivotal role in standardizing interoperability through the Maritime Operations Working Group, support for the development of Joint Force Command Norfolk’s Regional Plan, the release of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Unmanned Deployable Barrier Unified Concept, Interoperability Guide Version 2.0, and participation and support to the exercises REPMUS/DYNAMIC MESSENGER 23, STEADFAST JUPITER 23 and STEADFAST DEFENDER 24.
To support this work, the Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence organizes two annual events aimed at enriching understanding and fostering collaboration in the maritime domain:
- The Future Maritime Warfare Symposium: convening leaders and Heads of Navy from NATO Nations, Senior Commands, Maritime Enterprise COEs, and partner nations. Its primary objective is to facilitate in-depth discussions on key maritime domain topics, providing a platform for strategic engagement and knowledge exchange.
- The Maritime Security Regimes Roundtable: designed to elevate awareness and knowledge surrounding critical issues in maritime security, this event brings together a diverse range of stakeholders including military experts, academia, and industry representatives. Attendees seize the opportunity to share insights, experiences, and concerns, contributing to a comprehensive dialogue on maritime security matters.
The Centre also publishes an annual magazine called Cutting the Bow Wave. This publication focuses on showcasing a wealth of articles, insights, and discussions offering a diverse perspective on pertinent issues. Delving into topics crucial to NATO’s maritime considerations, the “Bow Wave” explores innovations, challenges, and ethical dilemmas of the contemporary era. The 2024 edition is dedicated to discussions surrounding unmanned systems, AI, and the establishment of ethical frameworks in collaboration with allies, ensuring the responsible use of these technologies.
The Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence stands as a linchpin in NATO’s maritime strategy. By fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and providing strategic leadership, the Centre is instrumental in shaping the future of naval warfare. As the maritime domain evolves, this Centre will continue to be a vital asset, ensuring that NATO remains at the forefront of maritime power and capable of meeting the challenges of tomorrow.