July 31, 2012:
The U.S. Navy has completed sea trials on the first of two OSVs (Offshore Support Vessels) it is having built for the Iraqi Navy. The 1,400 ton OSVs are 60 meter (186 feet) long supply and command ships. Although armed with a 30mm remotely controlled automatic cannon and ten machine-guns (six 5.6mm and four 12.7mm), the OSVs are mainly support ships for smaller armed patrol vessels, as well as seagoing headquarters for naval operations. All this is to provide better security for Iraq's many offshore oil and natural gas wells. The OSV also has cargo space and equipment for delivering supplies to these offshore facilities. Each OSV costs $35 million, plus $22 million for support and training. Each OSV has a crew of 42, although there are accommodations for another 40 people (troops, police, or passengers).