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Navy Security Aboard Oil Terminals Changes Hands

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS041206-04
Release Date: 12/6/2004 9:28:00 AM

By Journalist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Sarah Bibbs, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Navy Mobile Security Force (MSF) Det. 22 officially relieved MSF Det. 21 aboard the Khawr Al Amaya and Al Basrah Oil Terminals (KAAOT and ABOT) in the Persian Gulf Dec. 1.

MSF Det. 21 was the first operational unit commissioned in the Navy's Mobile Security Force, and had been providing point defense security protection for the oil platforms since early June.

"Det. 21 did some amazing things on establishing procedure out here," said Capt. Mark Donahue, commodore, Amphibious Squadron 11. "All of that information was passed on to Det. 22, and they are certainly much better prepared to take on the mission because of it."

The 60-person Det. 21 MSF took command of KAAOT and ABOT just four days after leaving the United States.

"The turnover was quick, but seamless," said Lt. Cmdr. Pat Fulgham, Det. 22 officer in charge. "Our detachments are virtually identical. It took just a couple of briefs and we were good-to-go."

Just days into the program, Fulgham said his detachment is already settled in and rotating through the watches. MSF Det. 21 personnel man strategic watch points throughout the platforms on a 24-hour basis.

"We're looking for dhows or other small skiffs coming into the 2,000-meter exclusion zone," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW) Martin Roth.

Beyond the watchstanders, coalition warships patrol the 2,000-meter exclusion zone, which includes an additional 1,000-meter warning zone.

Navy Reservists from Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit (MIUWU) 204 also play a large role in the security effort, operating the command and control towers aboard each platform.

"We monitor radar and communication with coalition vessels, and report all activity in the area," said Storekeeper 2nd Class Kevin Schloss. "It's all about communication and not making mistakes."

MIUWU 24 is currently deployed to the port of Ash Shuaybah, Kuwait, sending a portion of its personnel out to the platforms on a 30-day rotation.

"I think it's great to be out here," said schloss. "Eighty percent of Iraq's economy comes from these oil platforms, and we're out here defending them. We're really participating in the effort. You would have to head up north with the army and Marines to be more involved."

Det. 21 may have shared the same sentiment.

"I heard one of their guys say he's actually going to miss this place," said Engineman 1st Class Mickey Leggett.

Aside from establishing operating procedures, Det. 21 also made strides to improve the quality of life aboard the terminals, and passed those tidbits of information on, as well.

"They made it easier for us," said Leggett. "They told us all the little things we'd need to know. The ships help out, too. They give us hot showers and hot meals."

MSF Det. 21 is slated to remain aboard KAAOT and ABOT for approximately six months, after which, MSF Det. 25 is currently scheduled to provide relief.