Naval Training Team helps Iraqi navy train for new patrol ships

Courtesy Photo | Iraqi navy engineers practice firefighting aboard the HMS Lancaster.  

IRAQ

10.18.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq Public Affairs

By Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq

UMM QASR, Iraq - The crew of Patrol Ship 701, one of four Italian Saettia Class patrol ships being procured by the Iraqi navy, began their pre-handover training Oct. 11, 2008 under the tutelage and guidance of the UK-led naval training team based at the Iraqi naval base, Umm Qasr. This represents a huge milestone for the Iraqi navy, signifying the start of a modernization process enabling them to greatly improve their ability to achieve transition to full operational capability.

The training in Umm Qasr will last for two months and was designed to prepare the Iraqi sailors for the three-month long ship-specific training package they will undergo in La Spezia, Italy. This training will enable them to learn how to operate and maintain their new vessel. After a further two months of onboard, whole-ship training in La Spezia and at sea, the sailors will take the ship on the 6,000 nautical mile passage back to Iraq. She is due to arrive alongside Umm Qasr in July 2009. Training for each of the four ships is staggered over three-month intervals. The crew of PS702 will begin their training in January 2009.

Last week was the first time the 31 Iraqi sailors worked together as a crew, so some emphasis was placed on team building.

Leading physical trainer Dave Howarth said, "The first day was all about getting the crew to bond as a team. I introduced them to some team building exercises, something they hadn't come across before. By the end, they were really pitching in with lots of enthusiasm."

NaTT instructors have been working hard with their Iraqi counterparts to make the training as interesting and as practical as possible, while making sure each course is tailored to the wide range of skills and experience of each crew member.

Chief Petty Officer Steve Ashcroft, a NaTT engineering instructor, said, "The limited amount of training aids and resources means we sometimes have to improvise when it comes to practical work and demonstrations. This can be a real challenge, but when you see the Iraqis getting into it, it makes it all worthwhile."

Much use will also be made of the coalition ships in the Northern Persian Gulf. The crew will spend approximately half their time at sea, putting into practice what they learn shore side. The Iraqi engineers already spent a day on HMS Lancaster putting into practice the firefighting training they undertook on the naval base.

During the next two months, PS701's ship's company will study subjects such as sea survival, seamanship, firefighting and damage control. More specialized courses include diesel engines, transmission, radar theory, communications, and navigation. These will be directed at specific crew members.

One of the Iraqi sailors commented, "This is a really big opportunity for us. We are all looking forward to the challenge of being the crew of the first new patrol ship."

• Date Taken: 10.18.2008
• Date Posted: 10.18.2008 23:57
• Story ID: 25194
• Location: IQ