November 29,
2008: Having recently received several new patrol boats, and after several
years of training, Iraqi sailors and marines are now beginning to take over
complete responsibility for patrolling and guarding offshore oil facilities and
checking ships and boats that move along Iraq's 58 kilometer coastline.
Shipping has
to be monitored for smugglers and terrorists. Since 2003, the U.S. (coast
guard, navy, marines) and the British Royal Navy has undertaken these tasks.
Currently, there are about 2,000 Iraqis assigned to the navy, coast guard and
marines.
