Platform to protect

GETTING LOUD: AB Anthony (Wess) Wessling gets a feel for one of the machine guns guarding the platforms in the Northern Persian Gulf.

By LCDR Kirk Hayden

There is one small group participating in operations in Iraq that very rarely receives any recognition.

They work and live in very difficult conditions and are charged with a most vitally important role.

US Navy Maritime Security Detachment 22 is deployed to the Northern Persian Gulf and have the job of protecting the vital oil infrastructure, including oil platforms, which is critical to the economic rebuilding of Iraq.

They are also part of the Australian-led Task Force 58 which conducts Maritime Security Operations in The Gulf.

The men and women who comprise MSD 22 provide the close protection of the oil platforms and are extremely well equipped and well trained to undertake their duties. Along with those duties comes the requirement to live onboard the oil platforms for six months at a time.

The conditions are poor to say the least. There is not much space and the platforms themselves are in a poor state of repair.

Converted shipping containers provide the only shelter for the sailors, the smell of oil permeates the air constantly and the sun beats down unremittingly during the day; the only respite coming at night or during one of the regular dust storms Following the award ceremony, CDRE Gilmore and a number of the other Australian Task Force members were invited to a demonstration of some of the weaponry MSD 22 had available to protect the valuable oil platforms.

their dedication and professionalism in adverse conditions and the vital role they play.

CDRE Gilmore presented the award on the oil platforms before the detachment was due to fly home after completing its tour of duty in The Gulf. that blanket the region. Galley facilities are non-existent and “meals on keels” are provided three times each day from Task Force ships.

Last month, Commander Task Force 58, CDRE Steve Gilmore, awarded MSD 22 with the inaugural CTF 58 Commendation recognising

.