New commander takes charge at NATO maritime HQ

NATO Allied Maritime Command has marked a change in leadership at its headquarters in Northwood, with Vice Admiral Robert Pedre assuming command from Vice Admiral Sir Mike Utley during a ceremony on 23 January.

The handover was overseen by Admiral Sir Keith Blount, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, who paid tribute to Utley’s tenure leading NATO’s only standing Maritime Theatre Component Command.

“Vice Admiral Mike Utley’s contributions to our Alliance are greatly appreciated and his impact on the MARCOM organisation has paved the way for a more comprehensive approach to maritime security that will strengthen collective defence across the Euro-Atlantic region,” Blount said. He added that Utley’s leadership had been central to MARCOM’s transformation into a more operationally focused, warfighting headquarters.

Utley has commanded MARCOM since January 2023, a period marked by heightened maritime competition and increased concern over the security of critical infrastructure at sea. Under his leadership, the command expanded its ability to direct and coordinate maritime operations across the full spectrum of conflict.

A major milestone during his tenure was the establishment of the NATO Shipping Centre for the Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure, created to address growing risks to subsea cables, pipelines and other vital systems. The centre has since become a focal point for information sharing and coordination between Allies, partners and industry, supporting NATO’s enhanced vigilance activity Baltic Sentry in the Baltic Sea.

General Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, also praised Utley’s contribution to the Alliance.

“Vice Admiral Mike Utley led MARCOM through a consequential and impactful tenure for the Alliance,” he said. “We thank him for his steadfast leadership, his sound vision, and for his tireless advocacy to enhance collective defence and operational readiness in the maritime domain, and beyond.”

Innovation formed another pillar of Utley’s command, with MARCOM working closely with Allied Command Transformation to accelerate the operational use of emerging technologies. Exercises such as Dynamic Messenger supported experimentation with autonomous systems, data driven decision making and new concepts aimed at improving maritime situational awareness.

Reflecting on his time in command, Utley thanked the multinational staff at Northwood for their commitment. “It has been the honour of a lifetime to lead this team and serve in the strongest Alliance the world has ever known,” he said. “I am immensely proud of the work we accomplished together to enhance maritime security throughout the Euro-Atlantic region.”

Vice Admiral Robert Pedre now assumes command after serving as Commander of the United Kingdom Strike Force. In his first remarks as MARCOM commander, he paid tribute to his predecessor and set out his intent to continue strengthening Allied maritime security. “Today, I stand before this talented MARCOM team, ready to assume command, and ready to lead the next chapter for maritime security in the Alliance,” Pedre said. “We will continue to remain stronger together, resolved as Allies, and laser focused on defending our shared interests in the maritime domain.”