He was appointed Flag Officer commanding the Australian Fleet in 1949 and Admiral commanding the Reserves in 1952.

Pakenham was appointed Rear Admiral Commanding HM Australian Fleet in September 1916.

This was followed by a term as Flag Officer Commanding HM Australian Fleet.

After his appointment with the Australian Fleet ceased, he commanded the Destroyer Flotilla of the Mediterranean Squadron.

He was appointed the Rear Admiral Commanding HM Australian Fleet on 9 January 1917 until 3 September 1918.

The Second Naval Member (Personnel) from September, he again became Flag Officer of the Australian Fleet in January 1958.

Coates was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer in late 2009, shortly after relinquishing command of the Australian Fleet.

Quiberon served in the Far East with the Commonwealth Strategic Reserve and as a unit of the Australian Fleet on the Australia Station.

He then assumed the position of Flag Officer Commanding Her Majesty's Australian Fleet.

In January 1964 he returned to Australia, and was made Flag Officer Commanding HM Australian Fleet.