Organisation

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is a defensive alliance, formed in 1949, to provide a framework for political and military cooperation amongst its European and North-American members and to protect them from external threat. The Alliance's commitment to the transatlantic link and the collective defence of its members is fundamental to its credibility and to the security and stability of the European Atlantic area.

Northwood’s association with NATO dates from 1952, when NATO assumed the responsibilities and functions associated with the former Channel Command (CHANCOM), which was established at Northwood in 1948. It is therefore the oldest established command in NATO. It has since, inevitably, seen many changes.

In response to the end of the Cold War and the advent of Partnership for Peace (PfP), NATO reviewed its infrastructure and defence plans to prepare it to face the rather more diverse risks inherent to the post-Cold War period. This has led to expanded roles and tasks for the Allied Maritime Command Headquarters Northwood.