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Chafee Conducts MSO as Part of CTG 58.1

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050901-26
Release Date: 9/1/2005 6:37:00 PM

By Journalist 1st Class Scot Long, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

ABOARD USS CHAFEE, Persian Gulf (NNS) -- USS Chafee (DDG 90) assumed its role as part of Coalition Task Group (CTG) 58.1 to conduct maritime security operations (MSO) in the Persian Gulf Aug 13.

In addition to Chafee, U.S. Coast Guard, British, Australian and Iraqi vessels patrol the area as part of CTG 58.

Commander, CTG 58.1, Capt. Hank Miranda views the MSO mission as essential for maintaining stability and safe passage in the waters surrounding two Iraqi oil platforms, Al Basra Oil Terminal (ABOT) and Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT), both of which are a major source of income for rebuilding the Iraqi economy.

“These terminals are a vital component of Iraqi sea-based infrastructure and must be protected to ensure that oil continues to flow from Iraq,” said Miranda.

All coalition maritime vessels, particularly in the Persian Gulf, have been alert to possible terrorist activities. The vessels remain on patrol in the Gulf and are prepared to engage and defeat any vessel posing a threat to the terminals.

The other main mission of CTG 58 is to train Iraqi Marines and the new Iraqi Navy to eventually assume responsibility for security and stability in the Gulf region.

Chafee Operations Officer Lt. Charlie Perkins said six platoons are currently being trained to eventually take over defense of the oil platforms. Perkins emphasized the multinational element of the overall operation.

“We are not out here alone. This is a broad-based, shoulder-to-shoulder mission with our coalition partners,” Perkins said.

For Miranda, MSO translates into helping Iraqis rebuild their future.

“We’re defending economic assets of Iraq, and without this asset, it would be so much harder to rebuild,” he said. “We hear fishermen on the fishing boats say, ‘We’re glad you’re here,’ and cargo ship captains say, ‘Thank you, coalition.’”

MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as 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.