Navy Delivers Two Patrol Boats to Iraq

The U.S.Navy delivered two 35-meter patrol boats to the Iraqi navy's Umm Qasr naval facility Jan. 26.

The vessels are the second and third such craft to be delivered to the Iraqi Navy as part of planned 15-ship foreign military sales case managed by the Support Ships, Boats and Craft Program Office in the U.S. Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. Procurement of these ships represents a continued cooperation commitment between the United States and Iraqi governments.

"We are excited to deliver the second and third patrol boats of this class to the Iraqi navy," said Program Manager Frank McCarthey. "This addition to their fleet will help reinforce Iraq's maritime strength in the littorals."

Using a design chosen by the Iraqi government, the 35-meter patrol boats are heavily-armed, fast-attack craft designed to support a crew of 25 for six days; and can reach speeds of 30 knots. The ships will be used to enforce the nation's maritime sovereignty and protect off-shore oil platforms.

Nine of the 25-meter, armored patrol boats are currently under construction, and negotiations are underway for three additional vessels.

PEO Ships, an affiliated PEO of the Naval Sea Systems Command, manages the design and construction of all U.S. Navy surface ships as well as a wide range of small boats and craft for U.S. agencies and allied nations. Since its creation in November 2002, PEO Ships has delivered 38 major warships and hundreds of small boats and craft from more than 20 shipyards and boat builders across the United States.

Navy Delivers Two Patrol Boats to Iraq

The U.S. Navy delivered two 35-meter patrol boats to the Iraqi navy's Umm Qasr naval facility Jan. 26.

The vessels are the second and third such craft to be delivered to the Iraqi Navy as part of planned 15-ship foreign military sales case managed by the Support Ships, Boats and Craft Program Office in the U.S. Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. Procurement of these ships represents a continued cooperation commitment between the United States and Iraqi governments.

"We are excited to deliver the second and third patrol boats of this class to the Iraqi navy," said Program Manager Frank McCarthey. "This addition to their fleet will help reinforce Iraq's maritime strength in the littorals."

Royal Navy Moves Iraqi Navy Step Forward

British-trained members of the Iraqi Navy have conducted their first patrol of Iraqi territorial waters surrounding the Al Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT) in their new Swift patrol boat.

The Royal Navy has been training the Iraqi Navy in Umm Qasr as part of a coalition training team since 2004. Most recently they have been supporting the Iraqi Navy by delivering Swift patrol boat training and mentoring the future Iraqi Navy training staff.

In advance of the first operational patrol the crew had to complete a final sea assessment conducted by a joint Iraqi and coalition team. They passed with flying colours and proceeded on patrol immediately.

The importance of the patrol to the Iraqi Navy was emphasised by it occurring on Iraqi National Army Day - 7 January 2011.

Lieutenant Abdul, the captain of patrol boat 301, said: "It was a significant day, especially since the patrol was part of the Iraqi National Army Day."