UMM QASR, Iraq, July 12 (UPI) -- The Iraqi Navy has received the last in an order of patrol boats from the United States to help enforce its maritime sovereignty and security.
The vessel -- about 115 feet long -- was turned over following re-activation in nearby Bahrain.
The U.S. Navy and Swiftships Shipbuilders LLC of Morgan City, La., provided the boats under a U.S. Foreign Military Sales program. Each of the 12 vessels delivered is equipped with 30mm gun systems and carries a crew of 25.
The boats can reach a speed of 30 knots.
"The team successfully delivered all 12 important assets to the Iraqi navy, supporting Iraq's security requirements," said Frank McCarthey, program manager for Support Ships, Boats and Craft.
The Support Ships, Boats and Craft Program Office in the U.S Navy's Program Executive Office Ships, managed the acquisition. It also provided Iraq with two offshore support vessels last year.
PEO Ships manages the design and construction of U.S. Navy destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships. It also does so for boats in Foreign Military Sales deals.
