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US, Iraqi Navy Divers Conduct Survey, Clear Hazards From Iraqi Port

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091125-12
Release Date: 11/25/2009 10:13:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Elizabeth Allen, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

UMM QASR, Iraq (NNS) -- Members of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, currently deployed to Combined Task Group (CTG) 56.1 in Bahrain, worked alongside members of the Iraqi Navy to perform a salvage dive survey and hazard clearance in the Umm Qasr, Iraq harbor Nov. 14-16.

The combined operation by the U.S. and Iraqi Sailors could potentially result in a port expansion which could increase shipping and commerce in Iraq's only naval port.

"This event gave our dive team real-world experience with underwater surveys and salvage," said Lt. Cmdr. John Riggs, deputy commander, CTG 56.1. "It also gave them some great experience working with divers from the Iraqi Navy."

MDSU2 is working with the Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission (ITAM) in Umm Qasr to help train members of the Iraqi Navy, which is an important step toward building an independent Iraqi naval force.

"This event is helping the Iraqi Navy transition to more proficient and self-sufficient underwater tactics, techniques and procedures, such as pier inspections, harbor clearing and maintaining the security of their ships," said Riggs. "This is a periodic engagement, and we are looking forward to working with the Iraqi Navy in the future."

An integral part of the Multi National Security Transition Command – Iraq, ITAM plays a key role in developing and mentoring Iraqi Sailors and Marines. Team members work alongside their Iraqi counterparts on a daily basis and are responsible for ensuring the Iraqi forces are able to provide security for Iraq's territorial waters, ports and two major offshore oil platforms, which generate approximately 80 percent of the country's gross domestic product.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.