In a ceremonial transfer held at the Aksaz Naval Base in Türkiye, Canada handed over leadership of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) on December 3, 2024. Commodore Matthew Coates of the Royal Canadian Navy formally passed the reins to Rear Admiral H. İlker Avcı of the Turkish Navy, marking the end of a significant five-month tenure.
“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,” remarked Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command.
Commodore Coates had assumed command of SNMG2 on July 1, 2024, aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown. During this period, the maritime task group undertook an intensive operational schedule, clocking 120 days at sea and visiting 13 ports across the Mediterranean region.
Rear Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander, Maritime Component Command said: “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!”
Under Commodore Coates’ leadership, SNMG2 played a key role in strengthening NATO’s maritime readiness. The group participated in notable exercises, including NATO’s DYNAMIC GUARD and the vigilance activity Neptune Strike 24-2, alongside naval units from nine allied and partner nations. SNMG2 also carried out surveillance of Russian surface and sub-surface vessels as part of its strategic responsibilities under NATO Maritime 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,” conveyed Commodore Matthew Coates, Commander, outgoing Standing North Atlantic Treaty Organization Maritime Group Two.
This deployment was part of Canada’s ongoing Operation REASSURANCE, which involves rotational deployment of Royal Canadian Navy ships to support NATO activities in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. Through this mission, Canada reinforces its commitment to NATO’s deterrence and defense initiatives, ensuring stability and security in the region.
Rear Admiral Avcı now takes over the leadership of SNMG2, continuing the group’s vital role in fostering collaboration and operational excellence among NATO allies.