USS Thach Protects Iraqi Infrastructure

WASHINGTON – The guided-missile frigate USS Thach has helped to protect Iraq’s critical infrastructure since arriving on station in mid-July.

The ship, assigned to Commander, Task Group Iraqi Maritime, is providing security for the Al Basrah Oil Terminal, an Iraqi oil platform that accounts for a significant percentage of the country’s gross domestic product.

“We’re providing security here to help make sure that oil is able to flow freely from the platform to help Iraq’s economy to continue to improve and flourish,” said Navy Cmdr. David Haas, Thach’s commanding officer. “If that stops, up to 80 percent of their [gross domestic product] could go away, and we cannot allow that to happen.”

…Thach is part of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, which is on a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States’ commitment to regional security, which promotes global economic stability and local prosperity.

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