US Navy Takes Delivery of Future Offshore Support Vessels ‘Al Basrah’

The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the future Al Basrah (OSV 401), the first of two 60-meter offshore support vessels procured on behalf of the Iraqi navy, from prime contractor RiverHawk Fast Sea Frames LLC of Tampa, Fla., July 16.

The new vessel will conduct maritime security operations in the Northern Arabian Gulf alongside previously delivered Iraqi navy patrol boats.

“This delivery highlights the strong relationship between the U.S. and Iraqi navies,” said Frank McCarthey, program manager for Support Ships, Boats and Craft at Program Executive Office (PEO), Ships. “We look forward to officially transferring custody of OSV 401 to the Iraqi navy to aid in its mission of providing maritime security later this year.”

OSV 401 is a multi-function vessel providing a wide range of capabilities to support oil production platforms and provide the command and control requirements associated with security of those platforms. The vessel will provide transport support for crew changes and resupply to the platforms. OSV 401 is equipped with guns and outfitted with fast attack boats to defend it and the offshore platforms. The vessel has a vertical replenishment deck to facilitate the transfer of crew and supplies as needed.

Production of OSV 401 was accomplished by RiverHawk’s primary subcontractor, Gulf Island Marine Fabricators LLC at their facility in Houma, La.

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Source: navsea, July 20, 2012; Image: rhfsf