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
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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 |