Royal Canadian Navy Commodore Matthew Coates handed over command of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) to Rear Admiral (LH) H. İlker Avcı of the Turkish Navy on December 3rd, during a ceremony at Aksaz Naval Base.
Commodore Coates reflected on his tenure in command and thanked the ships and personnel who served as part of the task group for their exceptional contributions to the Alliance.
“As I transfer command of NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 2 to our 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,” said Commodore Matthew Coates. “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 honor to lead this distinguished group, and I am confident the mission will continue to thrive under the leadership of our Turkish Allies.”
The handover marked the end of a five-month deployment for SNMG2 during challenging and volatile times, with the war in Ukraine and rising tensions in the Middle East. From July 1st to December 3rd, the Task Group carried out its mission in the Eastern and Central Mediterranean Sea enhancing deterrence, strengthening cohesion, and increasing collective defense for the Alliance.