MARSEC COE Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Singing Ceremony was hosted by Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), General André Lanata on 18 October 2019 in Norfolk in order to establish a relationship between NATO and a NATO's 26^th Centre of Excellence - the Maritime Security Centre of Excellence.

With the presence of Rear Admiral Yankı Bağcıoğlu, Head of Operations of The Turkish Navy HQ as Representative of the Framework Nation and MARSEC COE Director Captain (N) Sümer Kayser, the MoU was signed between Turkey as  Framework Nation and representatives of the Hellenic Republic and Republic of Romania as Sponsoring Nations.

NATO Centres of Excellence are multinational military organizations that offer recognised expertise and experience that benefits the Alliance and supports NATO innovation. NATO’s maritime oriented Centres of Excellence’s contributions are integral to the Alliance’s maritime strategy. The mission of MARSEC COE is to expand the capabilities of NATO and Partner Nations by providing comprehensive innovative and timely expertise in the field of Maritime Security Operations. MARSEC COE was established in 2012 as a national entity. After 7 years of existence, MARSEC COE became multi-national entity through a formal joint ceremony.

This ceremony marks one of the culminating milestones on the journey to NATO Centre of Excellence status. With this ceremony, the Operational MoU which officially establishes the MARSEC COE and the Functional MoU which purpose is to establish the functional relationship between MARSEC COE and NATO were signed. The final NATO accreditation should be completed by 2020.