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Iraqi Coastal Defense Force Joins Maritime Security Operations

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS041006-06
Release Date: 10/6/2004 10:18:00 AM

From Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- The Iraqi Coastal Defense Force (ICDF) integrated with coalition forces in the Northern Arabian Gulf, following a brief ceremony in Umm Qasr, Iraq, Sept. 30.

The ICDF began performing maritime security operations in Iraqi territorial waters alongside Coalition Maritime Forces Oct. 1. The extent of the ICDF's contribution will include security around Al Basrah and Khawr Al Amaya oil terminals off the coast of Iraq.

The ICDF will also conduct policing operations on the Iraqi coastline and territorial waters in order to counter terrorism, smuggling, piracy and other unlawful activities.

"This is a step in the right direction," said Marine Brig. Gen. Joseph V. Medina, commander, Task Force 58 (CTF) 58/Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3. "Iraq's contribution in maritime security operations is tangible evidence of progress toward sovereignty in its territorial waters."

The Coalition Military Assistance Training Team - Maritime (CMATT (M)) has been training the ICDF in Umm Qasr since January. The British Royal Navy-led team is made up of Australian, Dutch, U.K. and U.S. naval personnel.

ICDF personnel come from diverse backgrounds, with many having served previously in the Iraqi armed forces. All have undergone basic training in Iraq or Jordan, and some of the officers have recently completed a module of their training at Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth in England, where all Royal Navy officers undergo their initial and basic sea and shore training.

CMATT (M) trained the ICDF in seamanship, navigation, firefighting, damage control, engineering casualty control drills, maintenance, search and rescue, gunnery and boarding operations. The team also provided instruction in law of the sea, international law, and operational planning and execution.

MSO is crucial to Iraq's future stability and prosperity. With only 58 km of coastline, the nation is reliant on the ports of Umm Qasr and Basra on the Shatt Al-Arab, and the offshore oil terminals.