• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

CNO Visits North Persian Gulf

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071031-06
Release Date: 10/31/2007 4:04:00 PM

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

NORTH PERSIAN GULF (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead visited Combined Task Force 158 Oct. 29, to get a sense of the Coalition mission in protecting key infrastructures through Maritime Security Operations (MSO).

During his visit, Roughead toured Ocean 6, the Navy's afloat forward operating base; HMAS Anzac (FFH 150), the flagship of CTF 158; and the Khawr Al Amaya and Al Basrah oil terminals.

"Our Sailors and the Sailors of other coalition forces are performing an absolutely vital role in protecting the Iraqi oil infrastructure in the North Arabian Gulf," Roughead said. "It is through the flow of oil that the Iraqi economy is going to be able to thrive. The work that our Sailors do and the cooperation that we have with our coalition partners is absolutely critical."

Roughead highlighted the role of the Coalition in protecting Iraq's sea-based infrastructure, which is key to providing the Iraqi people the opportunity for self-determination, a role that he said exemplifies the new maritime strategy.

"No one nation can do this alone," he said. "You will see more and more Coalition activity. We have learned from our Coalition partners and they learn from us, and together we are able to advance and enhance maritime security in this important part of the world."

Roughead added, "I can't think of any other place where the effectiveness of that cooperation is paying a greater dividend than right here in the NAG."