Iraqi NavyTake First Ship In New Patrol Boat Fleet

Iraq inaugurated the first in a fleet of new U.S.-built patrol boats on Sept. 26, part of efforts to boost its naval capacity and secure key oil platforms ahead of an American withdrawal at the end of 2011.The rapid buildup of the Iraqi navy is seen as crucial to protecting the terminals through which the vast majority of the country's crude is exported, with oil accounting for around 95 percent of government income.In a ceremony at Umm Qasr Naval Base, around 310 miles south of Baghdad, sailors demonstrated the capabilities of the boat - named "PB 301" - by showing it chase down smaller vessels.

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