The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) is an established, world-class scientific research and experimentation facility that organizes and conducts scientific research and technology development, centered on the maritime domain, delivering innovative and field tested Science & Technology (S&T) solutions to address defense and security needs of the Alliance. It is an executive body of NATO's Science and Technology Organization (STO). Located in La Spezia (Italy), the CMRE is built on more than 50 years of experience in its former establishments as the NURC and SACLANTCEN and has produced a cadre of leaders in ocean science, modeling and simulation, acoustics and other disciplines, as well as producing critical results and understanding that have been built into the operational concepts of NATO and the nations. CMRE operates two research vessels that enable science and technology solutions to be explored and developed at sea. The largest of these vessels, the NRV Alliance, is a global class vessel that is one of the quietest vessels in its class, allowing for precision acoustic studies to be conducted at sea. CMRE. Smart Defence. Today.