Advancing Maritime Interoperability Across the Alliance
The Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence is strengthening Allied interoperability in the maritime domain through practical expertise, forward-leaning innovation, and enduring partnerships. Working alongside international militaries, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry partners, and the academic community, this Centre serves as the Alliance’s hub for developing and refining the conduct of combined, and joint, operations from the sea.
Strategic Location, Operational Insight
Established in 2006, the Centre is the only NATO-accredited Centre of Excellence based in the United States. Located in Norfolk, Virginia, it draws strength from its strategic proximity to NATO Allied Command Transformation, United States Fleet Forces, the United States Second Fleet, Joint Force Command Norfolk, and several deploying Carrier and Expeditionary Strike Groups. This co-location enhances its ability to integrate operational insight with strategic foresight, driving interoperability and promoting best practices across the Alliance.
Leadership and Impact: Driving Naval Innovation
The Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence is led by Vice Admiral Douglas G. Perry. He also serves as Commander of the United States Second Fleet and Joint Force Command Norfolk. Under his leadership, the Centre has made several important contributions including leading the Maritime Operations Working Group to improve interoperability across Allied naval forces. The Centre also supported the revision of Joint Force Command Norfolk’s Regional Plan, which is a strategic military framework designed to enhance the Alliance’s ability to respond to specific threats and ensure collective defence across various regions. It also published a unified concept for uncrewed deployable barriers in anti-submarine warfare. Additionally, the Centre advised on the development of NATO’s new uncrewed Task Force X which is a NATO initiative led by Allied Command Transformation that focuses on rapidly deploying and integrating uncrewed maritime systems into naval operations. It aims to accelerate innovation, enhance interoperability, and improve deterrence capabilities by leveraging emerging technologies like autonomous systems and artificial intelligence. Looking ahead, the Centre is actively supporting the 2025 REPMUS and DYNAMIC MESSENGER exercises.
Dialogue and Exchange: The Maritime Security Regimes Roundtable
The Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence also hosts the annual Maritime Security Regimes Roundtable, a flagship event designed to foster dialogue and shared understanding among stakeholders across the maritime community. The Roundtable convenes military professionals, academics, and industry leaders to address pressing issues in maritime security. Through open discussion and knowledge exchange, it contributes directly to NATO’s efforts to remain agile and cohesive in a rapidly evolving maritime landscape.
Preparing for REPMUS and DYNAMIC MESSENGER 2025
In preparation for REPMUS and DYNAMIC MESSENGER 2025, the Centre has provided planning support and developed tailored operational vignettes for the Portuguese Navy and NATO Maritime Command. These scenarios serve as the foundation for Above Water Warfare tasks aligned with Task Force X operational concepts. Building on its contributions to Allied publications such as the procedures for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and the Deployable Anti-Submarine Warfare Barrier Concept, this Centre of Excellence continues to shape how uncrewed maritime systems are integrated into NATO operations.
Advancing Naval Concepts Through Cutting the Bow Wave
Beyond its operational and conceptual work, the Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence, as a thought leader, offers a platform for fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping NATO’s maritime posture in its annual publication: Cutting the Bow Wave. Released in May 2025, the latest edition features insights on the United States Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations concept, NATO deterrence and escalation management, and the evolving role of wargaming in capability development. The magazine also explores emerging technologies influencing the future of naval warfare, including artificial intelligence, space-based assets, uncrewed systems, maritime counter-improvised explosive device operations, fifth-generation communication technologies, and special operations submersibles.
A Unified, Flexible Force for the Future
Through its projects, partnerships, and expert contributions, the Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence plays a key role in strengthening interoperability across NATO’s maritime forces. By developing common concepts, refining shared procedures, and supporting real-world exercises, the Centre helps ensure that Allied navies can operate as a unified, flexible force which are ready to meet today’s challenges and adapt to tomorrow’s demands at sea.