Patrol boat delivered to Iraq

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UMM QASR, Iraq, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has formally delivered a sixth 115-foot armored patrol boat to the Iraqi navy.

The delivery last week at the Umm Qasr naval facility came after the ship completed reactivation in Bahrain in October.

"The team has once again succeeded in lending their expertise in boat construction and acquisition to deliver another quality asset to our international partners," said Frank McCarthey, program manager for Support Ships, Boats and Craft. "We look forward to officially transferring custody of P-305 to the Iraqi navy to aid in their mission of securing their maritime sovereignty."

The delivery of P-305 follows delivery and transfer of custody of P-304 and P-306 in August this year. The next coastal patrol craft is scheduled for delivery to Iraq next month.

The Support Ships, Boats and Craft Program Office in the U.S Navy's Program Executive Office, Ships, is managing the acquisition of the patrol boats as a foreign military sales case. There are six patrol boats under construction in this case.

The U.S. Navy and Swiftships Shipbuilders LLC of Morgan City, La., are supporting the Iraqi navy in the procurement and construction of up to 15 115-foot armored patrol boats. The boat is armed with a 30mm gun weapon system and is capable of reaching a speed of 30 knots.