The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the future Al Basrah (OSV 401), the first of two 60-meter offshore support vessels procured on behalf of the Iraqi navy, from prime contractor RiverHawk Fast Sea Frames LLC of Tampa, Fla., July 16.
The new vessel will conduct maritime security operations in the Northern Arabian Gulf alongside previously delivered Iraqi navy patrol boats.
“This delivery highlights the strong relationship between the U.S. and Iraqi navies,” said Frank McCarthey, program manager for Support Ships, Boats and Craft at Program Executive Office (PEO), Ships. “We look forward to officially transferring custody of OSV 401 to the Iraqi navy to aid in its mission of providing maritime security later this year.”
OSV 401 is a multi-function vessel providing a wide range of capabilities to support oil production platforms and provide the command and control requirements associated with security of those platforms. The vessel will provide transport support for crew changes and resupply to the platforms. OSV 401 is equipped with guns and outfitted with fast attack boats to defend it and the offshore platforms. The vessel has a vertical replenishment deck to facilitate the transfer of crew and supplies as needed.
Production of OSV 401 was accomplished by RiverHawk’s primary subcontractor, Gulf Island Marine Fabricators LLC at their facility in Houma, La.
The Support Ships, Boats and Craft Program Office in PEO Ships is managing the acquisition of the OSV as a foreign military sales case.
PEO Ships currently manages the design and construction of all U.S. Navy destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, as well as a wide range of small boats and craft for U.S. agencies and allied nations. Since its creation in November 2002, PEO Ships has delivered more than 40 warships and hundreds of small boats and craft from more than 20 shipyards and boat builders across the United States.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, July 20, 2012; Image: rhfsf