[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

[Liberty Valance]

The iNavy...who knew?