Iraqi Navy growing stronger by the day

Multi-National Force - Iraq ^

[SandRat]

Members of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2, the Royal Navy and members of the Iraqi Defense Forces gather aboard the coastal patrol boat USS Firebolt (PC 10). Firebolt is being used in an operation to remove a sunken barge from an Iraqi waterway. Photo courtesy of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.

UMM QASR — The Coalition Naval Advisory Training Team here has been mentoring and training units of the Iraqi Navy and Marines for more than three years.

Comprised of nearly 150 active and reserve Sailors and Marines, the International Transition and Advisory Mission combines United States and United Kingdom trainers to help guide the development of the Iraqi Navy.

"Training a force of more than 2,500 Iraqi Sailors and Marines can make for exciting days," said Cmdr. Chip Wrye, executive officer of ITAM-Navy Umm Qasr. "We have dedicated Sailors and Marines who make a substantial contribution every day to building the Iraqi naval force into a sustainable Coalition partner capable of protecting the territorial waters of Iraq."

Rear Adm. Scott Jones, commander, ITAM-Navy Umm Qasr, said the mission in Iraq is about more than just training the Iraqi Navy, but also about building partnerships.

"The Iraqi people, both civilian and military are working every day to improve their quality of life and prepare their country for the future," said Jones, who recently commanded the Surface Warfare Officers School. "We're here to support them."

This partnership continues to enhance the Iraqi Navy's ability to provide protection of its territorial waters, oil platforms and maritime infrastructure.

(U.S. Naval Forces Central Command release)

[SandRat]

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