NATO’s Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) hosted Allied nations’ fleet commanders, operational directors, and other senior leaders for the Maritime Operational Commanders’ Conference (MOCC) 2024 at its headquarters in Northwood, England, April 16-18.
“Faced with war on the European continent, the role of naval forces in NATO is pivotal” said Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Chris Cavoli, opening the conference.
“Your dedication to securing sea lines of communication is what connects the entire Alliance together. Your ability to safeguard freedom of navigation is what supports the foundation of our nations’ economies.”
NATO Naval Chiefs participating at the Maritime Operational Commanders Conference (MOCC 24) at the Allied Maritime Command, Northwood, United Kingdom. The Theme of 2024 was “Enhancing maritime warfighting readiness and capability in a multi-threat and multi-domain environment.”
Along with the Allied navies’ fleet commanders, commanders and key personnel from the Joint Force Commands participated, and engaged in conversations centred around four themes: moving to a command and control and force posture that is always scanning, thinking operationally and long term; the evolution of MARCOM as a warfighting headquarters; preparing for short notice contingency; and ensuring an enduring Allied warfighting advantage over any potential adversary.
Commander MARCOM, Royal Navy Vice Admiral Mike Utley, chaired the conference.
“There has never been a more critical point in history to enhance the collective defence of the alliance. As the Heads of Allied Navies gathered over the last two days, we engaged in vital and fruitful discussions that deepened our relationships and strengthened NATO’s cohesion. Each Ally brings critical warfighting capabilities and unique expertise to NATO. We are better off as a collective because of the Allies’ commitment to turn these into operational advantage over any potential adversary,” said Utley.
I wonder what Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary brought to the table?
However, with so few escorts, the Persian Gulf has shown how leaky the escort screen can be and as is oft said, the enemy need to be lucky once, we need to be lucky all the time.
Russian spies
If was comes we’d better park our carriers in a very safe place far away from the battles, although if the carriers are sunk it would be good for the navy to get rid of them thus releasing valuable escorts and F-35s for home protection.
Was = war.
Well the F35s are strike aircraft not interceptors..home protection is why we have typhoons.
carriers take far more effort and capability to sink than most nations can put forward..even finding them is a challenge.
When both are berthed in Portsmouth it’s an ideal opportunity for a pre-emptive missile strike. At least if hit there there’ll be no F35s aboard so we would still have them.
The blind compacency of HMG knows no bounds. Still banking on a peace dividend that ended a decade or so ago, shedding capabilities left, right & center, expecting allies will always be there for us, disposing of anything that might usefully act as reserve stocks, allowing the home defence insustry to wither, besides huge incompetance running defence programs with most long delayed & vastly over budget. Outsourcing essentials to greedy private companies who maximise profits, minimise dlivery simply to milk the system(e.g. RAF recruitment). We’ve a long way to go before we’re ready for a major war. As the saying… Read more »