From CNTG to CSNMG2, a big step on a journey of letters and numbers

(L-R) Jackson, Meghan, Nathaniel and Commodore Matthew Coates with presiding officer Rear-Admiral Chris Robinson. Photo: Michael McWhinnie.

By NTG PA 

— 

“This is a fairly uncommon event, to have the honour of promoting someone to the rank of Commodore (Cmdre) within our Formation,” said Rear-Admiral (RAdm) Christopher Robinson, Commander MARPAC.

RAdm Robinson was addressing a small gathering of Naval Training Group (NTG) personnel, family, and friends of Cmdre Matthew Coates who were gathered at Work Point’s Gun Room for his promotion ceremony on June 17.

Cmdre Coates served as NTG’s Commanding Officer from 2021 until a few weeks ago when he relinquished command to prepare for his next assignment as Commander Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2).

RAdm Robinson commended Cmdre Coates for his professional attributes and underscored how his new rank reflected a deepening responsibility for institutional leadership.

“As I look around this room, I am humbled by the realization of how so many people contributed to my professional growth over the past decades,” said Cmdre Coates. He recognized several people by name and concluded by expressing gratitude for his family’s support. 

“As the Admiral stated moments ago, I may be moving on to a dream job but that also comes at a cost,” he said while looking to his two sons Nathaniel and Jackson, and wife Commander Meghan Coates. “Your understanding, resilience and your love are the foundation that supports everything I do.”

RAdm Robinson invited the two boys to come forward to install their father’s new rank and after a few moments of trial and error with the mechanics of the shoulder boards, the former captain officially became Commodore Matthew Coates. 

Based in the Mediterranean Sea, SNMG2 is one of four Standing Naval Forces that operate under NATO Allied Maritime Command. The Government of Canada recently announced the departure from Halifax of HMCS Charlottetown who will join and assume flagship duties for SNMG2 as part of Operation REASSURANCE for the next six months.