Iraqi Military phasing as oil terminal protector

The Iraqi military has begun the next phase in the security turnover process to assume responsibility for the Khawr Al Amaya and Al Basrah oil terminals.

In an interview July 12 aboard USS Normandy (CG 60), Royal Australian Navy Commodore Steve Gilmore, commander, Task Force 58 said that the process will be complete when Iraq's military takes command and control of the oil terminals.

"We’re beginning phase two of a three-phase process, which will transition the point-defense of the Iraqi oil terminals to the Iraqi Marines," said Gilmore.

The oil terminals provide significant revenue for the Iraqi economy. Iraq and coalition forces are working together to progressively transfer full security of the oil terminals to Iraqi forces.

“[The Iraqis] are part of the task force,” said Gilmore. “They are not being placed alongside coalition units; they are replacing coalition units.”