Episode 3.22: NATO Diplomacy with SNMG2 Comdr, Cmdre Matthew Coates

In the twenty-second episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 3, with co-host Anessa Kimball, Professor at Université Laval. Steve & Anessa discuss upcoming NATO Parliamentary meetings in Montreal, communications espionage in European waters and Canadian implications for Trump’s cabinet picks. Today's feature interview is with Cmdre Matthew Coates. A native of Halifax Nova Scotia, Cmdre Coates is a Naval Warfare Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. He graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada Kingston, with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1998, and from Salve Regina University in 2010 with a Masters in Management. Cmdre Coates has held numerous staff and sea-going appointments, deploying multiple times on operations around the globe. Memorable highlights include a 2011 deployment as Executive Officer in HMCS CHARLOTTETOWN in support of NATO operations off the coast of Libya, and his appointment in 2013 as the Commanding Officer of HMCS IROQUOIS, a Tribal Class Destroyer. After his time in IROQUOIS he assumed command of Sea Training Atlantic where he was responsible for at-sea ship readiness and certification training. He is a two-time graduate of the United States Naval War College in Newport Rhode Island where he attended the Naval Staff College (class of 2010) and Naval Command College (class of 2017). In July 2017, he assumed the post of Director Naval Strategy, providing Force Development guidance in support of the future Navy. During this time Cmdre Coates was selected to participate in the RIMPAC 2018 Executive Steering Committee, responsible for planning major aspects of the multi-national exercise. He then deployed with the Chilean Navy as Deputy to the Combined Force Maritime Component Commander for the exercise. In July 2019, he assumed the post of Director Human Rights and Diversity within Chief Military Personnel, working to ensure the Canadian Armed Forces, along with the Defence Team, are an inclusive, equitable and diverse organization. After two rewarding and educational years in CMP, he returned to Navy lines, moving to Victoria BC to take up the appointment as Commander, Naval Personnel and Training Group. Evolving the Naval Training System to be best positioned to meet the needs of the RCN’s future fleet, Cmdre Coates completed three busy years prior to his appointment as Commander Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, during a ceremony 1 July 2024 in Toulon, France. When not at work, Matthew and his wife Meghan, enjoy time camping with their two boys, and cheering them on at the ball park and hockey arena.