USS The Sullivans Protects Oil Terminal, Hosts Visitors

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) is part of a defense group whose primary mission is to guard Iraq's Al Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT) in the North Arabian Gulf (NAG).

In addition to focusing on this task during their first month on station, The Sullivans has also been able to participate in joint training with coalition forces and act as the reception platform and host of several groups of distinguished visitors.

The Sullivans, which arrived in the NAG in early April, centers its mission on protecting ABOT, where massive tankers moor alongside to fill their ships with crude oil meant for world-wide distribution. The oil that flows through ABOT accounts for approximately 80 percent of Iraq's gross domestic product and is a vital asset to the stability of the country's economy.

Additionally, the destroyer is also called upon to provide a ready flight deck and small-boat transport for the defense group's personnel and distinguished visitors transiting to and from the terminal. The Sullivans deck division and engineering department have already performed more than 30 flight hours and 120 small boat operations at this early point in their deployment.

"The focus and preparation of our Sailors has been outstanding," said The Sullivans Commanding Officer Cmdr. Neil Funtanilla. "Executing these operations for a sustained period requires strict discipline. The success of The Sullivans lies in the dedication of our personnel and leadership to execute the mission time and time again."

The U.S. military, Coast Guard and coalition forces have worked with Iraqi Maritime Forces to provide defense and security to ABOT since 2004. The Sullivans, coalition forces and Iraqi Maritime Forces participate in training exercises each week that focus on defending the platform, deterring an attack and transitioning to Iraqi control.

The Sullivans operates under Combined Task Force 50 in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Area of Responsibility.