Captain Mehmet Cengiz Ekren

Capt. Mehmet Cengiz EKREN graduated from the Turkish Naval Academy in 1995 and began his career as Second Engineer onboard TCG ALBATROS. From 1997 to 2006, he served as Second Engineer and Chief Engineer on multiple naval platforms including TCG TAYFUN, TCG ŞİMŞEK and TCG İMBAT. Between 2006 and 2012, he held key maintenance, logistics and training appointments within the Turkish Naval Forces, including roles at Fleet Command Headquarters and YILDIZLAR Naval Surface Training Center. His NATO service includes deployment as TAAC‑Capital Liaison Officer to the Resolute Support Mission in Kabul (2016–2017) and Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans and Policy (ACOS J5) at STRIKFORNATO in Lisbon (2017–2020). He later served as Director of the Strategy Department at Turkish Naval Forces Headquarters (2020–2023) and was appointed Director of MARSECCOE in July 2023. He holds an MSc in Maritime Transportation Engineering, is pursuing a PhD in Maritime Security, holds multiple NATO certifications, and a PRINCE2 qualification. He is married with one son and speaks English, French, German and Portuguese.