By
LSCISSM Rachel Irving
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RAN
personnel will be helping Iraq to re-build five NASUR patrol
boats.
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The
RAN will help bring a “degree of security” to the Iraqi
maritime region with the deployment of teams to the coastal port
of Umm Qasr.
The Navy will train the newly established Iraqi Coastal Defence
Force using patrol and small boat specialists.
LCDR Tony Powell, who worked with the development of the RAN’s
new Armidale class Patrol Boats, and POSN Scott Ratcliffe (HMAS
Cairns) are expected to deploy to Iraq within the next few weeks
and will be followed by commissioning and training teams.
The commissioning team of LEUT Scott Rivett (HMAS Townsville),
CPOMT George Massouas (FIMA CAIRNS) and LSBM Shane McGrath (MWVSTG)
are finalising their force preparation and will coordinate the
introduction into service of five Iraqi patrol boats, NASUR 1
to 5.
The team will deploy over the coming months to Umm Qasr which
will become the new Iraqi training base.
LCDR Powell said it was a fantastic opportunity for Australia
to assist in the rebuilding of Iraq.
“By transferring some of the RAN’s extensive knowledge
of patrol boat operations, of operations in The Gulf and of our
experiences in assisting our neighbouring South Pacific Island
patrol forces, our small contribution can help bring a degree
of security to this region,” he said.
“In the longer term, our efforts in developing an effective
Iraqi Coastal Defence Force will allow the coalition to reduce
their naval commitments in The Gulf.
