Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles
available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. The Iraqi Navy is
one of the components of the military of Iraq currently being
reconstructed by UK-US Coalition forces in Iraq. Its primary
responsibilities are the protection of Iraq's coastline and offshore
assets. Initially called the Iraqi Coastal Defense Force, its official
name was changed on January 12, 2005. As of February 2006, the navy has
approximately 800 sailors and marines which form an Operational
headquarters, two afloat squadrons, and two marine battalions. Headed by
Rear Admiral Muhammad Jawad, the navy had plans to build six Al
Uboor-class patrol boats in Baghdad, with the first of the boats to
enter service in September 2005. This project however, was ultimately
canceled. Additionally, two Assad-class corvettes built for Iraq in the
1980s by Italy were originally planned to be delivered sometime around
2006-2007. The ships however, were found to be in a worse state than
originally believed, forcing the Iraqi navy to reconsider the deal and
instead buying 4 newer, smaller modified-Diciotti class vessels.
