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Mobile Security Detachment 25 Reaches Midpoint of Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050818-09
Release Date: 8/18/2005 3:35:00 PM

By Journalist 1st Class David Hamilton, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- The Portsmouth, Va.,-based Mobile Security Detachment (MSD) 25 reached the half-way point of their deployment providing point defense of the Al Basrah (ABOT) and Khawr Al Amaya (KAAOT) oil terminals Aug 12.

The unit, in conjunction with Iraqi naval and marine forces based on the terminals, supports maritime security operations (MSO) in the Persian Gulf.

“The security of the terminals is vital to Iraq’s economy,” said Cmdr. Christopher Jacobsen, officer in charge of MSD 25. “The terminals provide about 85 percent of Iraq's national gross product. Since Dec. 1, over 340 million barrels of crude oil have been pumped.”

Mobile security squadrons were conceived as a result of the October 2000 bombing of USS Cole (DDG 67). They are strictly defensive units, and their mission is to deter terrorism, detect terrorist actions and operations and defend against terrorist attacks. Mobile security provides a resolute, heavily armed presence to protect naval assets where U.S. shore infrastructure does not exist or needs augmentation.

Secondary to MSD 25’s role on ABOT and KAAOT is the responsibility of training the Iraqi Marine Force to take over the security of the terminals. MSD 25 members are currently training the Iraqi military on proper watch standing and security procedures.

Jacobsen has been very impressed with the progress shown by the six platoons of the Iraqi Marine Force.

“It is nice to see the Iraqis learn and run the various watches,” Jacobsen said. “From a command perspective, it is a good thing to see.”

MSD 25's Tactical Officer, Master-at-Arms 1st Class Gary Groesbeck, is very pleased with the training MSD 25 has provided.

“The training we are providing to the Iraqis to eventually take over [duty on] the oil platform has proven very positive,” Groesbeck said. “The Iraqis are quickly grasping the skills being taught through hands-on training. Learning their language as well has played a huge impact on how quickly Iraqis grasp concepts.”

“As it looks right now, the next security detachment will continue to train the Iraqi platoons,” said Jacobsen. “Once the Iraqis get their patrol boats on line by September 2006, the plan is for them to take over the entire security operation of the platforms with coalition ships.”

MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations, MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.