Photo By Master Sgt. Joseph Vine | The Iraqi navy attempts to stop a cargo ship during Iraqi Navy Day in Umm Qasr, Sept....... read more read more
UMM QASR, Iraq - The Iraqi navy celebrated its 74th anniversary during the Navy Day ceremony in Umm Qasr, Iraq, Sept. 14, in which they showcased their accomplishments and capabilities.
During the ceremony various dignitaries including Rear Adm. Edward G. Winters, executive director to the deputy commanding general Advising and Training, United States Forces – Iraq, spoke to those in attendance about the Iraqi navy’s progression to a self-sustaining force.
“I’m very happy to be here with you today at Umm Qasr Naval Base for the 74th Iraqi Navy Day to commemorate some of their many important accomplishments in growth, capability and potential,” said Winters.
“Only a few years ago, the Iraqi navy did not have any ships,” he said. “They embarked on a rapid fleet modernization program and today have over 60 vessels and more than 4,000 Sailors and Marines.
“This is huge,” said Rear Adm. Kelvin Dixon, Director, Iraq Training and Advisory Mission – Navy / Marines. “The men and women of Iraq Training and Advisory Mission – Navy and Marines focused in the areas of patrol boat operations. The Iraqi navy has been able to grasp the training given to them and execute that training in a good fashion, which resulted in an outstanding showing on Iraqi Navy Day.”
Maj. Gen. Giovanni Armentani, NATO Training Mission-Iraq deputy commander, said he was very pleased to be able to attend the 74th anniversary of the Iraqi navy at its Naval Base in Umm Qasr.
“This visit also gave me the opportunity to take a closer look at the site as the NATO Training Mission-Iraq is considering the possibility of offering the Iraqi Navy cooperation, advice and mentoring such as that, which is already provided to other sectors of the Iraqi Security Forces,” he said.
In the short time that the Iraqi navy has grown, it is now responsible for approximately 80 percent of the territorial waters around Iraq.
Head of the Iraqi navy, Maj. Gen. Ali Hussain Ali said, the Iraqi navy is ready to take the responsibility after the withdrawal of American troops.
“The Iraqi navy is conducting more than 50 patrols a week to protect Iraq’s territorial waters and oil infrastructure,” said Winters. Operating with the Iraqi Marines and their NAVCENT partners, they are on the path to assume total responsibility for their maritime security and critical infrastructure by the end of this year.
“The new Iraqi navy’s duty is to defend Iraq’s shores and territorial waters,” said Ali.
During the ceremony the Iraqi navy and Marines highlighted their capabilities with beach landing and fire suppression demonstrations. They also exhibited their ability to stop large vessels that enter Iraqi territorial waters with multiple types of boats in their arsenal.
“Instead of one Swift Boat, they had five manned and operated by the Iraqi navy,” said Dixon. “This is my second Iraqi navy day, and in comparison to the one last year, this one was much better. It shows in one year, just how far they have come.”
“It was truly an exceptional sight,” he said. “I’m very proud of the Iraqi navy and their progress today.”
After to ceremony attendees enjoyed a luncheon to relax and talk about the future of the Iraqi navy.
| Date Taken: | 09.14.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.18.2011 08:24 |
| Story ID: | 77207 |
| Location: | UMM QASR, IQ |
| Web Views: | 121 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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