Iraqi Marines Prepare to Take Over Oil Platform Security
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS050615-16
Release Date: 6/15/2005 4:40:00 PM
By Journalist 3rd Class Joseph Ebalo, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs
ABOARD AL BASRAH OIL TERMINAL, Iraq (NNS) -- Forward-deployed Sailors attached to Mobile Security Detachment (MSD) 25, the unit currently assigned to protect Iraq’s critical two oil platforms, are training Iraqi Naval Marine Force personnel to take over all close-in point defense operations aboard the Al Basrah (ABOT) and Khawr Al Amaya (KAAOT) oil terminals.
MSD 25 arrived on station May 23, relieving MSD 22 after that detachment’s six-month tour aboard the oil platforms.
“We are not just helping the Iraqis with the safekeeping of their oil terminals, we are teaching them how to soon take over the protection of their country’s major asset,” said Lt. Cmdr. Chris Jacobsen, officer-in-charge of MSD 25.
An Iraqi Marine working with U.S. security forces said he and his fellow Iraqis look forward to taking full responsibility for the security of ABOT and KAAOT.
“It’s my duty to defend [the oil terminal]. It belongs to my country. It belongs to my people. Our economy is based on it. I take pride in doing so,” said the Iraqi Marine.
ABOT and KAAOT are significant sources of revenue for the Iraqi people – revenue that is important to the rebuilding of Iraq.
“It’s very important to the way ahead and future of Iraq, because it represents about 90 percent of the income for the country of Iraq at this point,” said Vice Adm. David C. Nichols Jr, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet. “That economic activity and the continued growth of economic activity is key to the way ahead for Iraqis determining their future and continuing the political process.”
U.S. forces have provided security for the oil terminals since April 2004, after insurgents attempted to attack the oil platforms with an explosives-filled fishing dhow.
MSD 25 and coalition forces in the area surrounding the Iraqi oil terminals conduct maritime security operations (MSO) to set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment. MSO complements the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations and denies international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material.
Coalition forces from the United Kingdom and Australia joined the United States in providing Iraqi Sailors and Marines with instruction on basic military procedures and techniques.
“We train on how to stand a proper watch, how to work as a team and how to deal with manning,” said Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Michael Myers, an MSD 25 training team member.
MSD 25 Sailors drill with Iraqi personnel three to four times a day, stand under-instruction watches and give one-on-one feedback.
“The common goal that we’re trying to reach is to get them on their feet and be able to eventually stand the watch themselves,” said Myers.
The Iraqis say they are eager to master their new role and take on the responsibility.
“It is my duty to protect the future of my people and its economy,” said an Iraqi Marine officer aboard ABOT. “My people are so grateful that the United States, Great Britain, Australia and other coalition countries have reached out to help us.”
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