NaTT and Iraqi Navy celebrate arrival of new Defender Class Fast Small Boats

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

10.15.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq Public Affairs

By the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq Public Affairs Office

BAGHDAD - On Oct. 8, 2008, a cargo ship from the United Arab Emirates came alongside South Port, Umm Qasr, with six defender class fast small boats in her hold. The Iraqi navy and the UK-led naval training team, both based at the port, have eagerly awaited the arrival of these vessels. Along with twenty others due to be delivered over a period of several months, these FSBs will greatly improve the ability of the Iraqi navy to transition to full operational capability.

The defenders were sold to the Iraqi navy by SAFE Boat International through a United States Coast Guard foreign military sales contract. They are 27 feet in length and capable of carrying up to 8 boarding team members in a fully enclosed air conditioned cabin. The FSBs are powered by twin Yamaha 250 horsepower, 4-stroke engines, enabling the craft to reach speeds up to 45 knots. The boats will be a huge improvement over the Iraqi navy's existing fast assault boats and present a much more capable and versatile platform with which to defend Iraq's territorial waters and carry out visit, board, search and seizure operations.

After being manufactured in Port Orchard, Washington, the boats were trucked to Norfolk, Virginia. In early September, the six boats began their journey across the Atlantic Ocean and, after a series of stops for replenishment and a transfer of cargo in the UAE, were loaded onto the ITB Thunder/Lightning for the last leg of the journey into Umm Qasr. The boats were off-loaded late in the evening and taken to the American United Logistics compound. Once all formalities are complete, the boats will be transferred to the Naval Base jetty to await the arrival of the United States Coast Guard International Training Division team later this month. The team will work alongside Iraqi navy and NaTT instructors to initiate the reactivation process.

Formal training enabling the Iraqi navy to operate and maintain the boats will commence on completion of reactivation training. Training will include navigation, general seamanship, engine repair and maintenance, and ship's husbandry. NaTT instructors will advise and mentor Iraqi navy instructors so they will be able to take on this training when the next batch of boats arrives. Lt. Tony Crisco, United States Coast Guard, NaTT, stated, "The inception of the FSBs will provide a greater capability to the Iraqi navy and marines to move throughout the Iraqi navy waterborne area of responsibility, increasing their mission capability and presence, and providing an avenue for greater stability for commercial traffic and oil platform protection." NaTT commander Capt. Phil Warwick, royal navy, added, "This is a genuine, tangible step forward for the Iraqi navy. They are very excited and can't wait to get to grips with this new vessel".

• Date Taken: 10.15.2008
• Date Posted: 10.15.2008 09:33
• Story ID: 25007
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ