Canada Hands Over Command of NATO Maritime Group to Turkey
On December 3, 2024, Canada officially transferred command of the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) to Turkey. The ceremony took place at the Aksaz Naval Base in Türkiye. Commodore Matthew Coates, who had been in command since July 1, 2024, handed over the leadership to Rear Admiral H. İlker Avcı of the Turkish Navy. During his tenure, Commodore Coates led SNMG2 through various operations, including NATO's Exercise DYNAMIC GUARD and Neptune Strike 24-2, and conducted 13 port visits while spending 120 days at sea. The group also monitored Russian naval activities in the Mediterranean Sea as part of its mission under NATO Maritime Command.
SNMG2 is part of Operation REASSURANCE, which involves the deployment of Royal Canadian Navy ships on a rotational basis to support NATO's deterrence and defense measures in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. This operation is Canada's contribution to NATO's efforts to maintain security and stability in these regions. During Commodore Coates' command, SNMG2 interacted with nine allied and partner navies, demonstrating NATO's maritime capabilities and commitment to collective defense.
The transfer of command marks the continuation of Canada's involvement in international maritime security operations, as SNMG2 remains a key component of NATO's immediate reaction forces, providing continuous maritime capability for operations in peacetime and during crises.
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