Commander Australian Fleet Handover Ceremony
9 October 2009
In a changing of the guard, Rear Admiral Nigel Coates handed over the position of Commander Australian Fleet (COMAUSFLT) to Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore at a ceremony at HMAS Kuttabul's quarterdeck on October 8.
More than 150 Officers and Sailors from Fleet Headquarters, RAN warships and Sydney-based shore establishments attended the handover ceremony, where RADM Coates thanked all Fleet personnel for their dedication to duty during his 27 month tenure as COMAUSFLT.
RADM Coates said the hard work of all Fleet Officers and Sailors had resulted in several key achievements, including the maintenance of combat power to meet the high operational requirements of the government.
"I particularly want to thank everyone for their efforts with the implementation of New Generation Navy (NGN), given the leadership, cultural and structural changes that will make us a better Navy," he said.
After some well deserved leave, will replace Air Vice Marshal Greg Evans as the Deputy Commander Joint Operations (DCJOPS), where he will be responsible to the Chief of Joint Operations for the conduct of ADF operations.
In his first speech as the COMAUSFLT, RADM Gilmore praised RADM Coates for navigating the Fleet through very challenging times, particularly the initial implementation of NGN.
RADM Gilmore said he has spent a large proportion of his career in Fleet, "and standing here today I can tell you how very good it is to be back home."
COMAUSFLT said his command philosophy focuses on ‘the four Ps’, "people, platforms, process (doctrine) and passion (of RAN personnel)," which he will fully articulate to the Fleet Command shortly.
RADM Gilmore joined the RAN as a junior entry Cadet Midshipman in 1977 and during his distinguished career has been appointed the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2006 Queen's Birthday Honours List in recognition of his service as Commander Task Force 58, and awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in the 2000 Queen's Birthday Honours list for his service as Commander Plans at Maritime Headquarters during 1998-1999.
