The Everett homeported USS Ingraham (FFG 61) escorted two Iraqi patrol ships to the port of Umm Qasr, Iraq, Feb. 11.

During the escort transit, Ingraham provided force protection, navigational assistance, and logistical and maintenance support to ensure the safe delivery of the patrol ships to the Iraqi Navy.

“We were able to provide very useful training to them in navigation, seamanship, weapons handling, and force protection,” said Lt. Austin Duff, Ingraham operations officer. “It was great to share the experiences and they really enjoyed the evolutions. Having the resources of the FFG also allowed us to provide medical support and repair a critical part of the fuel system on one of the ships.”

“Getting them to Iraq safely was a very multifaceted mission and our whole crew had a chance to pitch in and make a difference.” Duff added.

Ingraham also had several opportunities while underway and during port visits to conduct theater security cooperation events with the Iraqi Sailors and further enhance U.S.-Iraq strategic relationships. 

“The eagerness of the Iraqi officers to learn allowed us to further promote our relationship with Iraq and demonstrate our Navy’s commitment to their success,” said Ingraham training officer, Lt.j.g. Thomas Hornback. “For every event we conducted, the Iraqi Sailors were working side by side with Ingraham Sailors, all the while developing friendships and a culture of cooperation. I have no doubt that these two ships will return home and tell their families and friends of the great experiences that they had while working with Ingraham.

This is the third escort of Iraqi patrol ships to Umm Qasr since the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The previous two escorts were provided by the Italian navy and USS Rentz (FFG 46).

All three escort missions have successfully delivered their respective Iraqi ships to its safe arrival in Iraq.

USS Ingraham is currently on a seven-month deployment conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.