The annual event is designed to foster open discussion and build strong relationships that enhance cohesion among Allies and strengthen NATO’s warfighting advantage.
A key element of this year’s conference was a robust discussion about the opportunities and threats posed by the introduction of unmanned systems in the operational environment. Participants also discussed ways to enhance information sharing and strengthen security cooperation across a range missions within Allied maritime forces, including Operation Sea Guardian and the current Baltic Sentry vigilance activity.
This year’s MOCC offers an unprecedented opportunity to explore the roles of emerging technology and enhance our collective defence
“This year’s MOCC offers an unprecedented opportunity to explore the roles of emerging technology and enhance our collective defence,” said Vice Admiral Mike Utley, Commander of Allied Maritime Command. “Over the last two days, we engaged in fruitful discussions that deepened our relationships and strengthened NATO’s cohesion. Each Ally brings critical warfighting capabilities and unique expertise to NATO. Our Alliance is strong and capable because we have unwavering commitment from Allies to transform these new warfighting capabilities into operational advantage over any potential adversary.”
MARCOM hosted fleet commanders, operational directors, and other senior leaders for the Maritime Operational Commanders' Conference (MOCC).
For more than seven decades, NATO maritime forces have evolved and adapted to the ever-changing security environment of the Euro-Atlantic area to maintain maritime domain awareness while sustaining a high state of operational readiness to defend the Alliance and its interests.
Along with the Allied fleet commanders, senior leaders and planners from the Joint Force Commands participated, and engaged in conversations centered around the evolution of MARCOM as a warfighting headquarters, preparing for short notice contingencies and maintaining a high state of operational readiness across their areas of operation.
MARCOM is the central command of all NATO maritime forces and the MARCOM commander is the primary maritime advisor to the Alliance. Like its land and air counterparts (LANDCOM and AIRCOM), MARCOM is constantly in close coordination with the Joint Force Commands (JFC) and answers directly to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).