Rear Admiral Nigel Coates
Rear Admiral Nigel Stephen Coates, AM, RAN joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1975, graduating from initial training with the Queen's Gold Medal as the dux of his graduating year. Bridge watchkeeping training was carried out in various ships, culminating in the award of the Jubilee Sword as dux of Seamen Officers training.
After a period as aide-de-camp to His Excellency the Governor General of Australia, he trained as an Air Intercept Controller and subsequently as a Principal Warfare Officer. He served in HMA Ships Hobart, Adelaide and Brisbane before joining to the Navy's Maritime Headquarters, receiving Maritime Commander's Commendation for his contribution to preparing ships for the 1991 Gulf War.
As Executive Officer, HMAS Darwin, he saw service in the Red Sea before promotion to CMDR followed in 1993. He served as the Senior Military instructor, and subsequently Commanding Officer, of the Corps of Officer Cadets at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra, receiving a Chief of the Defence Force Commendation for his work there.
In 1996 CMDR Coates assumed command of HMAS Canberra, winning the Gloucester Cup in 1997 as the most efficient ship in the Royal Australian Navy. From HMAS Canberra, CMDR Coates spent 18 months as Commander, Sea Training at Maritime Headquarters, followed by another 18 months at the US Naval War College and Salve Regina University, graduating with a MA (International Relations).
Assuming Command of HMAS Anzac in 2001, CAPT Coates took the ship on operational deployment to the Arabian Gulf. The ship was awarded the Gloucester Cup as the most efficient ship in the RAN for 2001, and Captain Coates was appointed a member of the Order of Australia for his service in HMAS Anzac.
CAPT Coates was appointed Chief of Staff to the Chief of the Defence Force mid-2002, was promoted to CDRE and appointed Chief of Staff, Headquarters Australian Theatre in December 2003, and subsequently the Director General Navy Personnel and Training in August 2005. CDRE Coates was promoted to RADM and appointed as the Fleet Commander in July 2007 until October 2009.
