Navy staff talks improve Iraq’s partnership with US

Courtesy Photo | Members from the Iraqi Navy and Marines, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and Iraq Training and Advisory Mission - Iraq met for staff talks at the headquarters of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense June 19.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

07.23.2011

Story by Spc. Crystal Hudson 

United States Forces – Iraq, Deputy Commanding General (Advising and Training)

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi Ministry of Defense hosted staff talks between members of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, Iraq Training and Advisory Mission – Iraq and the Iraqi Navy and Marines at the headquarters of the Iraqi MoD June 19.

Staff talks are held six months after a commanders update to review the progress of the IqN and to provide staff direction and guidance supporting the transition team. The meetings enhance military-to-military relationships, identify and address mutual interests, endorse planned actions and underscore combined security cooperation goals.

“The ITAM–Navy team has been able to forge a very good Iraqi train-the-trainer program that allows the Iraqis to train Iraqis in at sea operations in the defense and protection of their critical oil infrastructure and territorial waters,” said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Kelvin Dixon, ITAM-Navy director.

U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Mark Fox, U.S. NAVCENT commander, recommended Iraq and NAVCENT begin working toward Combined Maritime Forces membership for Iraq to help identify its intelligence capabilities, gaps and improve collaboration.

Combined Maritime Forces is a multinational naval partnership which exists to promote security, stability and prosperity across the international waters in the Middle East.

The goals of the meetings are to continue to build the enduring partnership between Iraq and the U.S.

• Date Taken: 07.23.2011
• Date Posted: 07.23.2011 02:08
• Story ID: 74186
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ