Iraqi Navy Protects Country’s Oil Platforms

Defend America News ^ | Feb 13, 2006 | Petty Officer 2nd Class John J. Pistone

[SandRat]

The Al Basrah Oil Terminal as seen from the roof of the platform. The terminal produces approximately two million barrels of oil each day. On Feb. 7, 2006, the Iraqi navy’s marine unit took the lead in platform security. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class John J. Pistone

Iraqi Navy Protects Country’s Oil Platforms

The Iraqi navy consists of two squadrons, a patrol boat squadron and an
assault boat squadron, and also includes one marine battalion.

By U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class John J. Pistone Multinational Security Transition Command—Iraq

UM QASR, Iraq, Feb. 13, 2006 — In the middle of the North Arabian Gulf, deep in Iraqi territorial waters stands the Al Basrah Oil Terminal. The Al Basrah Oil Terminal produces approximately two million barrels of oil a day, which, at the current rate, translates to roughly 130 million U.S. dollars per day. The platform had been protected by coalition forces since operations in Iraq began in 2003, but on Feb. 7, the Iraqi navy’s marine unit took the lead in protecting the platform.

"Last July, merchant ships were afraid to come into our port due to pirating, but that is no longer the case because our squadrons have been successfully patrolling the port."

Iraqi Navy Commodore Adel

Analysts say that if the Al Basrah Oil Terminal can sustain half of the current production rate they will balance the Iraqi budget by 2008. This is one of the main reasons why the platform is so vital to Iraq, said Iraqi Navy Commodore Adel, the Iraqi nNavy’s operational commander.

The marines also assumed point defense duties from the Coalition on Kwar Al Amaya Oil Terminal in November 2005. The Kwar Al Amaya Oil Terminal is a smaller platform and produces about a third of the oil that the ABOT produces.

“The oil platforms are the life blood of our country,” said Adel. “It is with great honor that we are now the ones in the lead in protecting them.”

According to Adel, the Iraqi navy’s primary mission is to defend Iraq’s coast, territorial waters, vital ports and offshore assets against both external and internal security threats. Their secondary mission includes environmental response, search and rescue and to contribute to regional stability.

“The Iraqi navy has become an integral part of the coalition maritime force conducting maritime security operations in the North Arabian Gulf,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Dave Price. “They are simultaneously receiving training and participating as partners in the patrol and point defense responsibilities for Iraq’s crown economic jewels — the offshore oil terminals.”

Their professionalism as sailors and marines has been routinely lauded by the coalition forces that train and operate with them, Price said.

“Every day they seem to meet new milestones. I think they are making giant leaps in their ability and capability,” said Colour Sergeant Shaun Hayward, British Royal Marines Commando Naval Transition Team. “We have become

Colour Sergeant Shaun Hayward, Coalition advisor with the British Royal Marines Commando Naval Transition Team, gives tactical advice to Iraqi navy sailors while patrolling the port of Um Qasr, Iraq’s largest and only deep water port. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class John J. Pistone

dependent on both the assets they bring as well as the tactical capabilities of their sailors and marines.”

The Iraqi navy consists of two squadrons — a patrol boat squadron and an assault boat squadron. It also includes one marine battalion, which serves both squadrons.

The patrol boat squadron uses Predator class patrol boats to conduct 24-hour security operations and sector patrols around the oil terminals and in Iraqi territorial waters.

The assault boat squadron has 24 fast assault boats that routinely patrol the inland waters and approaches of the Kwar Abd Allah up to the port of Umm Qasr which is Iraq’s largest and only deep water port.

According to Price, both have seen tactical successes in combating smuggling and piracy as well as conducting a couple of successful rescues at sea for injured mariners.

“Incidents of piracy have continuously declined since the Iraqi Navy began 24/7 presence operations in the [Kwar Abd Allah] and their territorial waters,” Price said.

“Last July, merchant ships were afraid to come into our port due to pirating, but that is no longer the case because our squadrons have been successfully patrolling the port,” Iraqi Navy Commodore Adel said.

The coalition continues to maintain an advisory and tactical over-watch role as the Iraqi navy and marines take the lead in the phased transition of the oil terminal defense responsibilities.

Adel said that the coalition has been thorough in preparing them for the mission through the phased transition.

“We are not quite ready to take over all of the responsibility, but we are getting better because of good training by the coalition,” said Adel.

[SandRat]

Iraqi Navy PING! Yes, I Said the Iraqi Navy.

[Rick_Michael]

[Analysts say that if the Al Basrah Oil Terminal can sustain half of the current production rate they will balance the Iraqi budget by 2008. This is one of the main reasons why the platform is so vital to Iraq, said Iraqi Navy Commodore Adel, the Iraqi nNavy’s operational commander.]

What's a balanced budget? lol

This is good news.

[river rat]

Anyone willing to bet - that when the oil depots are hit -- it will be by or with the assistance of these same Iraqi ships and crews?

Semper Fi

[R.W.Ratikal]

Sure! Like the Confederate Navy protected Charleston

[Calpernia]

In the middle of the North Arabian Gulf, deep in Iraqi territorial waters stands the Al Basrah Oil Terminal. The Al Basrah Oil Terminal produces approximately two million barrels of oil a day, which, at the current rate, translates to roughly 130 million U.S. dollars per day. The platform had been protected by coalition forces since operations in Iraq began in 2003, but on Feb. 7, the Iraqi navy’s marine unit took the lead in protecting the platform.
"Last July, merchant ships were afraid to come into our port due to pirating, but that is no longer the case because our squadrons have been successfully patrolling the port." Iraqi Navy Commodore Adel

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[Liberty Valance]

The iNavy...who knew?

[E.G.C.]

BTTT