Navy Mourns Tragic Loss of RADM Nigel Coates

7 June 2010

By LCDR Fenn Kemp & LEUT Angeline Lewis

Chief of Navy VADM Russ Crane has led tributes to RADM Nigel Coates who died on June 2 after a battle with cancer. He was 51.

“Nigel Coates was one of the best known and most respected members of the Navy family,” VADM Crane said.

“Not since the late Sir David Martin has Australia seen a more popular and respected Admiral. I will miss Nigel’s wise counsel and his friendship.”

In a signal to all Navy personnel, CN said the Navy, ADF and broader Australian community had lost one of their finest military leaders. “With his passing, Navy has prematurely lost an outstanding individual and consummate professional,” the signal read. “[RADM Coates] committed his entire working life to serving his country with great skill, dignity and honour.”

RADM Coates joined the Navy as a Cadet Midshipman in 1975, graduating from his initial training with the Queen’s Gold Medal as the dux of his graduating year. He was awarded the RAN College Memorial Sword as dux of seaman officer training before being trained as an Air Intercept Controller and a Principal Warfare Officer (Direction). After sea service as Direction Officer to HMAS Adelaide (II) and HMAS Brisbane, RADM Coates posted to the Australian Defence Force Academy as Chief Instructor and then Executive Officer, where his inspiring leadership of more than 1000 cadets and staff each year had a lasting influence on all three Services.

RADM Coates’ 35 years of distinguished service included command of HMAS Canberra (II) (1996-97) and HMAS Anzac (2001-02), with both ships receiving the Duke of Gloucester Cup for being the most efficient ship in the RAN during his tenure. Following his extraordinary efforts as Fleet Direction Officer during the First Gulf War, RADM Coates commanded Anzac during an Arabian Gulf rotation and devoted considerable sea time to Operation Relex.

More recently, he served with great distinction as Commander Sea Training, Chief of Staff to the Chief of Defence Force in mid 2002, Chief of Staff at Headquarters Australian Theatre (now HQJOC) and Director General Navy Personnel and Training Personnel and Training. In July 2007, on promotion, RADM Coates took up duty as Commander Australian Fleet, a role in which his exceptional seamanship, unmatched loyalty to his personnel and commitment to the Service ideal ensured the Fleet achieved its best. The great pride with which the Fleet marched behind him at last year’s historic Freedom of Entry march in Sydney is testament to the regard in which all held RADM Coates as their commander.

RADM Coates received a CDF commendation for his work at ADFA and was appointed a member of the Order of Australia for his service in command of Anzac, particularly for his leadership during her 2001 Gulf deployment.

Defence Minister John Faulkner said the passing of RADM Coates was a blow to the Defence community. “Whether on the bridge of a warship or on the parade ground at ADFA, Nigel Coates’ leadership and gentle nature was an inspiration to all who knew him,” Senator Faulkner said.

RADM Coates is survived by his wife Vickie, and children Tim, Ben and Stephanie.

An on-line condolence book has been opened for those members of the Navy and Defence families wishing to pay tribute to RADM Coates. Visit http://www.navy.gov.au/RADM_Nigel_Coates_-_Messages_of_Condolence.

Pall bearers carry the coffin of the late Rear Admiral Nigel Coates AM, RAN, from the Garden Island Chapel to the waiting Gun Carriage as Family, friends and Navy personnel attend to pay their respects during the Funeral Service on Garden Island, Sydney.

The Royal Australian Navy paused today to farewell Rear Admiral Nigel Coates AM, RAN, who died last week. After a closed service at the historic Garden Island Chapel, the coffin was loaded onto a gun carriage, which carried Rear Admiral Coates in a solemn procession to the gates of Fleet Base East. A funeral firing party of 24 sailors in full ceremonial uniform fired three volleys in tribute before the gun carriage began its slow journey around Fleet Base East, Garden Island. The coffin was draped in the Australian White Ensign. Navy officers and sailors lined the route as the gun carriage made it way from the Chapel to Fleet Landing where the coffin was transferred into the hearse. A platoon of 150 Navy members of all ranks marched in escort. They were led by the Administrator of the Commonwealth of Australia (and NSW Governor) Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO and Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Crane AO, CSM, RAN, who accompanied Rear Admiral Coates� widow, three children and immediate family. Serving Admirals followed close behind. The hearse proceeded past Navy ships currently alongside Fleet Base East; the ships� companies formed up and came to attention in salute as the procession passed by. Cannons began firing as the coffin emerged from the Chapel. HMAS Tobruk fired a ceremonial 12-pound cannon once a minute. When the procession reached the gates of Fleet Base East, the firing increased with 13 guns sounding at 5-second intervals.

The coffin of the late Rear Admiral Nigel Coates AM, RAN, sits on the Ceremonial Gun Carriage as Family, friends and Navy personnel attend to pay their respects during the Funeral Service on Garden Island, Sydney.

The coffin of the late Rear Admiral Nigel Coates AM, RAN, is escorted for the final journey on the Ceremonial Gun Carriage as Family, friends and Navy personnel attend to pay their respects during the Funeral Service on Garden Island, Sydney.

HMAS Tobruk fires a salute using a Ceremonial 12 pounder Naval Gun in tribute to the passing of the late Rear Admiral Nigel Coates AM, RAN, as Family, friends and Navy personnel attend to pay their respects during the Funeral Service on Garden Island, Sydney.

The Funeral Procession carrying the coffin of Rear Admiral Coates AM RAN drives past HMAS Kanimbla to Fleet Base East 5 Gate at Garden Island, Sydney.