Utahns help navy in Iraq to 'mature'

Al Basra oil terminal, PERSIAN GULF — One day Ali will stand out on the watch tower without an American standing over his shoulder watching his every move.

He will work without constant evaluation from American troops and report only to his Iraqi commander. But not yet. He's not ready, Ali said.

The Iraqi navy is still in its infancy and is working out the kinks with the help of American troops. Pulling out now could spell disaster for the country's future, several Iraqi sailors and marines said.

"We prefer American and British forces to stay longer," Iraqi navy Lt. Mustafa said through a translator. Several Iraqis interviewed declined to give their last names in fear that their countrymen might retaliate against them for cooperating with coalition forces.

The Iraqi navy's primary mission is to protect two major oil platforms in the Persian Gulf — known as Al Basra Oil Terminal (ABOT) and Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT). The terminals are key to the redevelopment of Iraq, as they generate more than 80 percent of the country's revenue.

Terrorists have attempted to attack the platforms in the past. In April 2004, three U.S. servicemen were killed and four sailors were injured while preventing one such attack.

Iraqi forces are providing 20 percent of the security missions for the oil terminals and look forward to the day when they can stand on their own and protect their country's economic future, Mustafa said.

But that day shouldn't come any time soon, said Sinan, the commanding officer of an Iraqi patrol boat that guards the oil terminals.

The Iraqi navy consists of four small patrol boats, with a few other smaller supporting vessels. Although they are only a few years old, the boats are worn and rusted. New boats are on the way, Sinan said, but until then he must make do.

"They've made a significant amount of progress," said British Capt. Paddy McAlpine, who oversees maritime security operations for the oil terminals. "At some point in the future, we'll be able to stand back."

The Iraqi marines covet American weaponry. Several said the Russian-made Dushka machine gun is nothing like the American 50-caliber machine guns. "Dushka, no good," one Iraqi marine said in broken English. "American gun, very good."

Second Class Petty Officer Shane Johnson trains Iraqi marines on the ABOT every day. The wide-eyed, fair-skinned country boy said he didn't believe America should have meddled with Iraq's business in the first place.