GULF REGION DIVISION
 
News release # 090621-1
June 21, 2009

Umm Qasr naval project vital to Iraq security

By A. Al Bahrani
Gulf Region South

BASRA, Iraq — As part of a comprehensive plan to develop the Iraqi navy’s capabilities, the Gulf Region Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is partnering with the Government of Iraq by managing a $53 million pier and seawall project at Umm Qasr.

Funded by the GoI, the new project in southern Iraq will provide the Iraqi navy new port facilities as it continues to expand its military naval capabilities, according to Navy Lt. j.g. Daniel Gutierrez, Gulf Region South district’s Umm Qasr Pier and Seawall Resident Engineer.

It includes a 210-meter main pier, two smaller piers, and facilities for power, water and fuel distribution.

The project is vital for security in Iraq, according to Iraqi Col. Ahmed Jasim, the commander of the Umm Qasr Navy Base.

“The completed pier and fueling facilities will support new naval vessels being purchased by Iraq,” said Jasim. “Together, the new facilities and supported patrol vessels will significantly increase the Iraqi navy’s capacity to secure the vital port infrastructure and seaways in Iraq’s territorial waters, which are critical to Iraq’s security and continued economic development.”

On average, the project provides jobs for about 80 local workers daily.

“We consider this a critical project due to its military and economic importance for our country,” said Jasim. “We are very pleased the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is involved because USACE has a very good reputation in overseeing such work.”

The Umm Qasr pier and seawall project is 15 percent completed and expected to be finished by the end of this year.

As Iraq strives to build a secure, stable and self-governing nation, the Gulf Region Division has completed hundreds of projects in the transportation and communication sector.  Since 2004, GRD has completed eight port projects throughout Iraq.

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For high resolution photos: www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/index.asp

Note: A. Al Bahrani is a public affairs specialist with the Gulf Region South, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Iraq. For more information, contact public affairs at 540.665.5339 or email requests to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  For more information on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq, visit www.grd.usace.army.mil.

The Gulf Region Division, headquartered in Baghdad, is a joint effort comprising Civilians, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Contractors. GRD provides quality and sustainable engineering in support of civil/military construction in Iraq. GRD and its Iraqi partners are building a strong foundation for Iraq's future. 

BUILDING STRONG® is the official slogan of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.