Canada transfers command of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two
News release
December 3, 2024 – Aksaz, Türkiye – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, Commodore Matthew Coates transferred command of Standing North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) to Rear Admiral H. İlker Avcı of the Turkish Navy, during a ceremony at the Aksaz Naval Base in Türkiye.
Having assumed command during a ceremony on July 1, 2024, Commodore Coates commanded SNMG2 from Flagship His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown over the past five months. Under his command, SNMG2 conducted 13 port visits and spent 120 days at sea.
Between July 1 and December 3, 2024, SNMG2 participated in NATO’s Exercise DYNAMIC GUARD, NATO vigilance activity Neptune Strike 24-2, and interacted with nine allied and partner navies in the Mediterranean Sea. The task group also monitored several Russian surface and sub-surface vessels during this period as part of their mission assigned by NATO Maritime Command.
This deployment is part of Operation REASSURANCE, which sees Canada deploy Royal Canadian Navy ships on a rotational basis, employed primarily for exercises and operational tasks with NATO’s Standing Naval Forces. This mission is Canada’s contribution to NATO deterrence and defence measures in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean Sea.
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Quotes
“I am proud of the efforts of Canadian Armed Forces members deployed as part of Operation REASSURANCE aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown as the flagship of the Standing North Atlantic Treaty Organization Maritime Group Two (SNMG2). During our command of SNMG2, we demonstrated professionalism and skill, reinforced the value of combat interoperability, and stood side-by-side with our allies to deter aggression and defend Allied territory. Well done to all the members of the team who made this deployment such a success.”
Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command
“It has been a tremendous privilege to see the Canadian-led Standing North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Maritime Group Two contribute to NATO’s maritime security during their five-month rotation. The professionalism, expertise, and unwavering dedication of all ships in their fleet have been instrumental to our Alliance’s collective resolve in the Mediterranean region and I am confident that their legacy of excellence will inspire success as command transitions to Türkiye. As their mission concludes, I congratulate Commodore Matt Coates for his leadership, his staff – Canadian and multi-national – for their team’s focus, and His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown for holding flagship duties in a steadfast manner. Bravo Zulu!”
Rear Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander, Maritime Component Command
“As I transfer command of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Standing Maritime Group Two to our esteemed Turkish allies, I want to express my deep pride in the exceptional work carried out by the dedicated crews of the ships under my command over the past five months. Together, we have strengthened NATO's maritime presence and upheld the security of the Alliance's waters with professionalism and commitment. It has been an honour to lead this distinguished group, and I am confident the mission will continue to thrive under the leadership of our Turkish partners.”
Commodore Matthew Coates, Commander, outgoing Standing North Atlantic Treaty Organization Maritime Group Two
Quick facts
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Commodore Coates commanded warships from five different Allied navies, ranging from two to a peak of five ships of various types and capabilities, including frigates and a replenishment vessel, three maritime helicopters, and up to 1,100 NATO personnel under his command.
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Throughout his time in command, Commodore Coates led ships from the following NATO countries: Canada, France, Greece, Türkiye, and Spain.
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SNMG2 is one of NATO’s four standing naval maritime immediate reaction forces that routinely conduct operations in the Mediterranean Sea. These groups provide NATO with a continuous maritime capability for operations and other activities in peacetime and in periods of crisis and conflict. They also help to establish Alliance presence and deterrence, demonstrate solidarity, conduct routine diplomatic visits to different countries, support transformation and NATO interoperability, and provide a variety of military maritime capabilities to ongoing missions.
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SNMG2 is a multinational, integrated maritime force made up of warships from various Allied countries. These warships, including their air assets, are permanently available on a rotational basis to NATO to perform different tasks ranging from participating in exercises to operational missions.
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Contacts
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Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca