Breaking: American Captain Freed

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Great news in the Somali pirate standoff — it’s over: Official: US sea captain freed in swift firefight.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. Navy has rescued the American sea captain held by Somali pirates.

A senior U.S. intelligence official said hostage Richard Phillips was not hurt in what appeared to be a swift firefight off the Somali coast on Sunday. Phillips was safely transported to a Navy warship nearby.

The official said three pirates were killed and one was injured.

Jump to bottom

708 comments
1 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:55:42am

Simply wonderful!

2 Nevergiveup  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:55:58am

Navy 1 Somalia -3

3 [deleted]  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:56:08am
4 Wishing  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:56:18am

Go Navy! Go Captain! Go SEALs!
Way to go, US of A!
And yes, good job, Mr. President.

5 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:56:26am

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAH!

6 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:56:44am

re: #4 Wishing

Go Navy! Go Captain! Go SEALs!
Way to go, US of A!
And yes, good job, Mr. President.

Finally.

7 Sharmuta  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:56:47am

HAPPY EASTER! Freedom is a fitting Easter gift for this heroic American.

8 WindHorse  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:57:15am

Captain Phillips, a true American Hero!

9 Killian Bundy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:57:16am

CNN (first report, grain of salt) is reporting that the living pirate was already aboard the Bainbridge “negotiating”. Phillips jumped overboard again and this time they opened up on the lifeboat, killing the other three pirates.

/not clear whether it was SEAls or the Bainbridge that did the shooting

10 huckfunn  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:57:29am

YIPPEE! There’s one for the good guys!

11 Wily  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:57:30am

The world now eagerly awaits the forthcoming apology from the Obama administration to the families of those pirates killed. Oh, wait, did I say “pirates”? I meant “manmade nautical disaster activists”.

Message to POTUS: This is a breath of fresh air in your recently-emasculated U.S. We are still Americans; you can’t take that away from us.

12 Mr. In get Mr. Out  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:57:33am

Sounds like a close to perfect rescue from my perspective.

13 Kulhwch  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:57:39am

Go Swabbies!

}:)     [Our military RULES!]

14 Wishing  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:58:02am

I actually LIKE Obama for the moment.
I am thrilled he did the right thing.
/I am sure it will pass.

15 jcm  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:58:10am

WOOT!

GO NAVY!
Thank you for authorizing direct action Mr. President.

16 Catttt  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:58:11am

God Bless America!

Youtube Video
17 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:58:11am

His family must be elated!

18 WindHorse  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:58:12am

the USN Seals….. all heroes!

19 Gus  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:58:46am

Please let there be a video!

20 Desert Dog  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:58:49am

So, now what will the USA do about this problem? There is still the tugboat that was taken yesterday, and there are other vessels still being held. We should act now and end this nonsense. If Obama tries to get some consensus or get the UN or other countries to join in, it will not work. We need to put the hammer down on these scumbag and put it down HARD

21 Dianna  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:59:02am

re: #4 Wishing

Go Navy! Go Captain! Go SEALs!
Way to go, US of A!
And yes, good job, Mr. President.

Agreed!

Congratulations all around - now let’s take the battle to the pirates.

22 jcm  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:59:15am

re: #12 Mr. In get Mr. Out

Sounds like a close to perfect rescue from my perspective.

SEALS lurking in the water real close is my guess.

23 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:59:36am

re: #19 Gus 802
If there is we probably won’t see it. If it was video’d the SEALS would use for training.

24 realwest  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:59:43am

As I said on a previous thread, CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU PRESIDENT OBAMA FOR AUTHORIZING THIS MILITARY MISSION and to the brave military troops (probably SEALS) who carried it out so flawlessly!

25 tappin52  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:59:44am

My guess is that when the Navy saw him take to the water, the pirates came out into the open to try to get him back and the Navy did their thing. Wonderful spirit this man has. He facilitated his own rescue. Bravo!

26 jwb7605  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:59:54am

re: #4 Wishing

Go Navy! Go Captain! Go SEALs!
Way to go, US of A!
And yes, good job, Mr. President.

How do we know it was SEALs (as much as that would please me as an ex-squid)?

The on-board floating Marines are generally fairly decent shots, too.

27 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:59:55am

Now … what happens to the other pirates onshore?
How did the skiff they were originally in get 300 miles out into the ocean?
Do we go looking for the mother ship?
Where were these pirates based?

We have a pirate in custody.
/think the SEALS could make him talk?

28 sattv4u2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:59:56am

re: #19 Gus 802

Please let there be a video!

Put it on Pay per View and wipe out the national debt!

29 kiwiviv  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 10:59:59am

The Captain is a hero

The SEALS are heroes

A wonderful Easter gift to the family and to this nation

30 karmic_inquisitor  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:00:25am

About time.

Congrats to the heroes who saved him.

So what will they do with the pirates now that Gitmo has a no vacancy sign?

31 Gella  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:00:30am

this is the best news of the day :)

32 jcm  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:00:32am

re: #20 Desert Dog

So, now what will the USA do about this problem? There is still the tugboat that was taken yesterday, and there are other vessels still being held. We should act now and end this nonsense. If Obama tries to get some consensus or get the UN or other countries to join in, it will not work. We need to put the hammer down on these scumbag and put it down HARD

There’s a bunch of hostages held by various pirate groups.
Need to get them, then kill pirates and break pirate stuff.

33 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:00:34am

re: #29 kiwiviv

The Captain is a hero

The SEALS are heroes

A wonderful Easter gift to the family and to this nation

Amen!

34 Gus  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:00:44am

re: #28 sattv4u2

Put it on Pay per View and wipe out the national debt!

And on DVD! :)

35 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:00:57am

re: #32 jcm

There’s a bunch of hostages held by various pirate groups.
Need to get them, then kill pirates and break pirate stuff.

Level their camps/bases.

36 kynna  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:00:57am

Can Obama keep this up? I think his poll numbers could rise as a result of this. Since he lives by that, will he make a correlation or will he credit the pooch?

37 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:01:06am

re: #26 jwb7605
Not usually Marines on cruisers, destroyers, or frigates. Now they could’ve helo’d some aboard, but my guess is SEALS.

38 drogheda  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:01:08am

Terrific news. I’m glad this ended well.

39 Nevergiveup  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:01:16am

re: #26 jwb7605

How do we know it was SEALs (as much as that would please me as an ex-squid)?

The on-board floating Marines are generally fairly decent shots, too.

But the important point is there are 3 dead scumbags and the Captain is free.

40 VegasRick  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:01:23am

re: #27 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Now … what happens to the other pirates onshore?
How did the skiff they were originally in get 300 miles out into the ocean?
Do we go looking for the mother ship?
Where were these pirates based?

We have a pirate in custody.
/think the SEALS could make him talk?

As I said before I will wait to see that response before I start slobbering all over pres zero.

41 Curt  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:01:24am

re: #9 Killian Bundy

CNN (first report, grain of salt) is reporting that the living pirate was already aboard the Bainbridge “negotiating”. Phillips jumped overboard again and this time they opened up on the lifeboat, killing the other three pirates.

/not clear whether it was SEAls or the Bainbridge that did the shooting

I would have hoped all guns would have been trained, manned by unblinking eyes for just this opportunity.

The oterh “technical” part would have been the Rules Of Engagement authorized to suppliment standing basci rules of self defense…

I’m glad someone found the nuts rolling around the deck.

Maybe the FBI was even the “bait” to get one of the pirates aboard…:)

42 Jimmah  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:02:02am

Great stuff.

PS - I bet Jimmy Carter is pissed off.

43 kynna  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:02:02am

re: #31 Gella

this is the best news of the day :)

There’s only one thing better. But it happened a long time ago. ;)

44 DEZes  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:02:06am

WOOT, I wanna buy those rescuers a beer, and the crew and its Captain as well.
Hero’s all.
GO NAVY!

45 BaseballMom57  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:02:13am

Totally AWESOME news! I’ve been praying for this to end happily for the Captain. Happy Easter to the Captain and his family, and God Bless our brave men and women in uniform.

46 jaunte  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:02:31am

re: #21 Dianna

Agreed!

Congratulations all around - now let’s take the battle to the pirates.

Time to make the planners pay.

47 jcm  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:02:33am

Posted this early….

It not the Pirates fault.

Since then, Somalia has suffered nearly 20 years of anarchy, chaotically ruled by rival clans backed by pickup trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns. Its nominal government controls barely a few blocks.

With no coast guard to defend its shores, Somalis began complaining that vessels from Asia and Europe were dumping toxic waste in their waters and illegally scooping up red snapper, barracuda and tuna. The rampant illegal fishing began destroying the livelihoods of local fishermen.

48 Gella  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:02:43am

re: #44 DEZes

WOOT, I wanna buy those rescuers a beer, and the crew and its Captain as well.
Hero’s all.
GO NAVY!

me too :)

49 Curt  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:02:57am

re: #25 tappin52

My guess is that when the Navy saw him take to the water, the pirates came out into the open to try to get him back and the Navy did their thing. Wonderful spirit this man has. He facilitated his own rescue. Bravo!

The sadder part is we may find out it was because he did it the shooting started, not because the Navy was authorized to maneuver the circumstances to provide the firing opportunity.

50 WindHorse  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:03:16am

The three warships ought to put this shit to an end NOW!

51 kiwiviv  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:03:19am

This is a wonderful answer to prayer, and and example of the courage, ingenuity and bravery that comes from all who have the benefit of living in the USA - and the freedom that comes from this great nation

52 jcm  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:03:21am

re: #35 loppyd

Level their camps/bases.

Read a couple reports the real pirate kings are down in Kenya feeding shipping information to the pirates and taking a big cut.

Them too.

53 Killian Bundy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:03:22am

re: #24 realwest

As I said on a previous thread, CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU PRESIDENT OBAMA FOR AUTHORIZING THIS MILITARY MISSION and to the brave military troops (probably SEALS) who carried it out so flawlessly!

Congratulation to Captain Phillips for having the guts to jump in the water again.

/who knows what would have happened if he hadn’t done that

54 drogheda  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:03:23am

re: #39 Nevergiveup

But the important point is there are 3 dead scumbags and the Captain is free.

Don’t forget one scumbag in custody. I wonder what sorts of charges they’ll be filing.

55 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:03:29am

re: #40 VegasRick

As I said before I will wait to see that response before I start slobbering all over pres zero.

Yes, though I will give him due credit at the moment, as CinC.

/after a brief celebratory intermission, we will start the next round

56 jaunte  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:03:35am

re: #47 jcm

“vessels from Asia and Europe were dumping toxic waste in their waters”

Also known as bilge water.

57 Dr. Shalit  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:03:48am

re: #11 Wily

The world now eagerly awaits the forthcoming apology from the Obama administration to the families of those pirates killed. Oh, wait, did I say “pirates”? I meant “manmade nautical disaster activists”.

Message to POTUS: This is a breath of fresh air in your recently-emasculated U.S. We are still Americans; you can’t take that away from us.

Wily -

You mean the “MERCHANT MARINE ORGANIZERS?”

-S-

58 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:03:52am

re: #47 jcm

Leave it to the AP.

59 6pat6  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:03:56am

Congrats to the ship captain, and to the Navy/Marines that rescued him!

Now, for say, the next year or two, can we simply let it be SOP that ANY Somalian craft, no matter how large or small, sailing outside of one nautical mile from the Somali coast, is fair game to get blown out of the water and its crew obliterated? Please? These guys aren’t “fishing” for anything other than a target of opportunity. May the tables turn on these little bastards.

60 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:03:58am

re: #49 Curt
What tin can is that?

61 Nevergiveup  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:04:09am

re: #54 drogheda

Don’t forget one scumbag in custody. I wonder what sorts of charges they’ll be filing.

And probably coming to a Jail near you?

62 Emerald  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:04:14am
The official said three pirates were killed and one was injured.


Three out of four ain’t bad.

63 davinvalkri  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:04:17am

re: #32 jcm

There’s a bunch of hostages held by various pirate groups.
Need to get them, then kill pirates and break pirate stuff.

This, along with all the other comments on the thread. I don’t really need to add anything, really.

64 Dianna  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:04:18am

re: #46 jaunte

Time to make the planners pay.

Agreed.

65 Oxnuts  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:04:19am

re: #27 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Not under BHO.

66 sattv4u2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:04:22am

re: #54 drogheda

Don’t forget one scumbag in custody. I wonder what sorts of charges they’ll be filing.

Me,,, i
I’d put a depth charge up his ass!

67 Gella  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:04:33am

re: #54 drogheda

Don’t forget one scumbag in custody. I wonder what sorts of charges they’ll be filing.

let me guess Gitmo, but on the other hand, it will he an easy punishment for him

68 FrogMarch  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:04:39am

Dead Pirates and a freed captain. Fabulous news.

69 MJBrutus  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:04:39am

Woo Hoo! Go SEALs!

70 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:04:44am

re: #61 Nevergiveup

And probably coming to a Jail near you?

Barry wouldn’t dare send him to Gitmo….

71 Gus  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:04:44am

Maersk Press Release:

April 12, 2009
UPDATE VIII: Maersk Alabama attacked by pirates
Media advisory at 1345 EDT: Captain Richard Phillips rescued

Norfolk, Va., April 12, 2009: Maersk Line, Limited was informed by the U.S. government at 1330 EDT today that Captain Richard Phillips has been rescued. John Reinhart, President and Chief Executive Officer of Maersk Line, Limited, called Captain Phillips’ wife, Andrea, to tell her the good news. The crew of the Maersk Alabama was jubilant when they received word Mr. Reinhart said, “We are all absolutely thrilled to learn that Richard is safe and will be re-united with his family.

Maersk Line, Limited is deeply grateful to the Navy, the F.B.I. and so many others for their tireless efforts to secure Richard’s freedom. We join Richard’s family, his crew and his colleagues ashore in celebrating this wonderful news. We look forward to welcoming him home in the coming days.”

Mr. Reinhart will hold a media briefing in Norfolk, Va., later on Sunday. Details will follow.

The primary contact for information at Maersk Line, Limited is Kevin Speers at +[no phone numbers allowed]. Please note this new telephone number.

Maersk Line Limited has established an email address
where concerned persons from around the world may send messages of support for the captain, crew and families of the Maersk Alabama. The address is: maerskalabamasupport@maerskline-usa.com

[Link: www.maersklinelimited.com…]

72 tappin52  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:05:12am

re: #49 Curt

I agree.

73 pass the moonbaticide  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:05:19am

Hurrah for the US Navy !

/Did you say something, Mr. President ?

74 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:05:21am

re: #47 jcm

Posted this early….

It not the Pirates fault.

There IS truth in that.

However, I’d love to hear what Paul Harvey would have to say.

75 6pat6  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:05:45am

re: #42 Jimmah

PS - I bet Jimmy Carter is pissed off.

Yup. Score is now: BHO - 1, Jimmah - 0

That’ll probably be the end score, four years from now.

76 VegasRick  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:05:47am

re: #47 jcm

Posted this early….

It not the Pirates fault.

Put em’ out of their misery.

77 WindHorse  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:06:34am

Obama is studying the teleprompter right now…..

78 Zimriel  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:06:43am

re: #47 jcm

Posted this early….

It not the Pirates fault.

Gee, the Intelligent-As-A-Post pipes in. No wonder they’re almost out of the business entirely.

They should just rename themselves “The Daily Troll” and hire SpaceJesus as their main editor.

79 Desert Dog  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:06:48am

re: #47 jcm

Posted this early….

It not the Pirates fault.

There is some truth in that article. But, it deflects way too much away from the scumbags. These are not displaced fisherman, they are hired goons, working for a warlord. This is just the anarchy of Somalia spilling out into the ocean. They see the fat and juicy ships and so far, have been able to squeeze big money out of the owners. They made a mistake with this ship though….a crew that fought back, a Captain with courage and a Navy with lethal skills.

80 kiwiviv  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:07:38am

I hope you all realize that much of this victory comes from the ingenuity and courage that is bred through living in this nation of freedom

81 6pat6  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:07:46am

re: #77 WindHorse

Obama is studying channelling the teleprompter right now…..

Fixed that.

82 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:08:12am

They said they are not afraid of Americans.
They said they would send reenforcements.
They said they would kill the hostage if attacked.
The US Navy and the SEALS said “No way!”
On Easter Sunday too.

83 brookly red  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:08:15am

re: #61 Nevergiveup

And probably coming to a Jail near you?

I am far from cuba.

84 itellu3times  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:08:16am

re: #9 Killian Bundy

CNN (first report, grain of salt) is reporting that the living pirate was already aboard the Bainbridge “negotiating”. Phillips jumped overboard again and this time they opened up on the lifeboat, killing the other three pirates.

/not clear whether it was SEAls or the Bainbridge that did the shooting

Sounds good to me.

And all I can say is, about fucking time.

85 Zimriel  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:08:16am

Anyway, at this moment, I don’t feel like snarking at Obama. I hope he keeps this up.

86 jaunte  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:09:00am

re: #47 jcm

Posted this early….

It not the Pirates fault.

On replacing the fishing business: Somehow I can’t see a rush of entrepreneurs to set up fish-farming businesses in Somalia, and I don’t think the pirates will trade down in income to take the jobs those businesses would create.

87 Wishing  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:09:05am

I hope albusteve is where he can hear this great news. He will be thrilled.

88 avanti  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:09:06am

re: #20 Desert Dog

So, now what will the USA do about this problem? There is still the tugboat that was taken yesterday, and there are other vessels still being held. We should act now and end this nonsense. If Obama tries to get some consensus or get the UN or other countries to join in, it will not work. We need to put the hammer down on these scumbag and put it down HARD

The tugboat is Italian with mostly Italian hostages, and there are 8 or 9 more ships. As pound as I am about our Navy, I don’t think we need to save all the worlds merchant ships and their citizens by ourselves. We need to insure OUR ships and crews are safe and take action to see that’s done.
We need the other countries help to police the seas and strike back.

89 kiwiviv  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:09:36am

One of the pirates stabbed in the hand by an ice pick - by the original crew

90 nyc redneck  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:09:41am

just heard it on the radio.
i am so thankful and so happy to hear the captain is safe.
what incredible and wonderful news.
i was praying he would be freed today.
and great applause for our military.

91 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:10:52am

re: #88 avanti
IIRC, there at least 12 countries running anti-piracy patrols from the Horn of Africa south.

92 jwb7605  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:11:18am

re: #37 pingjockey

Not usually Marines on cruisers, destroyers, or frigates. Now they could’ve helo’d some aboard, but my guess is SEALS.

That wasn’t true in my era (‘68 - ‘72 — my carrier had a wooden deck!).
There were always “a few” (like 2 or 3) even on the escort vessels.

Things may easily have changed, though.

93 unrealizedviewpoint  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:11:19am

re: #85 Zimriel

Anyway, at this moment, I don’t feel like snarking at Obama. I hope he keeps this up.

You’re a good American. You passed the test. Others didn’t fair so well. No names.

94 Vicious Babushka  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:11:20am

Pirates, ye be warned.

Arrr!

95 Dr. Shalit  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:11:33am

re: #74 pre-Boomer Marine brat

There IS truth in that.

However, I’d love to hear what Paul Harvey would have to say.

pBMb -

I see it was in the “P-I.” Not surprised.

-S-

96 jcm  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:11:45am

re: #79 Desert Dog

There is some truth in that article. But, it deflects way too much away from the scumbags. These are not displaced fisherman, they are hired goons, working for a warlord. This is just the anarchy of Somalia spilling out into the ocean. They see the fat and juicy ships and so far, have been able to squeeze big money out of the owners. They made a mistake with this ship though….a crew that fought back, a Captain with courage and a Navy with lethal skills.

It points out more than anything the “failed state” problem. What does the civilized part of the world do when a state fails?

Throwing money in just enriches the thugs that invariably pop up.
Isolating them just makes it worse.
The only real option is some form of Nation Building. But doing it half assed bought us Blackhawk down.

97 kiwiviv  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:12:24am

Note to France:

This is how to run a rescue operation

98 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:12:53am

I can’t stop reading this.


For the second time, Capt. Richard Phillips jumped off the lifeboat where he was being held by the pirates, a U.S. government official said. Unlike a similar escape attempt early Friday, this time Phillips was successful.

Phillips’ leap into the ocean precipitated a rescue by U.S. naval forces who had been monitoring the lifeboat, the government source said. Shots were fired and there were pirate casualties.

99 Nevergiveup  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:13:35am

re: #97 kiwiviv

Note to France:

This is how to run a rescue operation

Ah give France their due. They tried and accidents happen. And they didn’t give in to the dam pirates.

100 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:13:37am

re: #92 jwb7605
‘77-‘97 for me. No Marines on ‘small boys’. Carriers, yes.

101 Momzilla  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:13:49am

This isn’t something you’d hear often from this Army Brat, but I don’t think dad would spin in his grave to hear me say, “GO NAVY!”

102 redc1c4  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:13:53am

“a swift firefight” is likely pronounced “SEAL” or “CWIS”…… although a couple of rounds from the 5” would do quite well also.

great news anyday, but especially welcome today.

103 pass the moonbaticide  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:14:09am

USS Bainbridge … WE SALUTE YOU !

104 Musicmaven  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:14:16am

Three pirates killed, one wounded and in custody……..Well that what I call a good start!
Kudos to the U.S. Navy!

105 Catttt  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:14:44am

Way to go, Captain. Your quick thinking saved the day for your crew, and we are really happy you are safe.

Also, Go Navy! Thanks for being so awesome.

I’m guessing the pirates, if they ever have a sane moment, were thinking “oh, shit” somewhere along the line.

106 sattv4u2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:14:45am

re: #97 kiwiviv

Note to France:

This is how to run a rescue operation

France did their job. They didn’t sit idly by. That a hostage was killed was tragic, but that the pirates weren’t given the Eiffel Tower was admirable

107 redc1c4  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:14:46am

re: #92 jwb7605

That wasn’t true in my era (‘68 - ‘72 — my carrier had a wooden deck!).
There were always “a few” (like 2 or 3) even on the escort vessels.

Things may easily have changed, though.

there are very few non amphibs with Marine dets anymore, since the nukes came off the ships.

108 kiwiviv  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:14:48am

The British used to be able to sing:

“Rule Britania…Britania rules the waves…”

Today we can sing with great gusto:

“RULE OLD GLORY…OLD GLORY RULES THE WAVES!”

109 6pat6  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:14:51am

re: #4 Wishing

Go Navy! Go Captain! Go SEALs!
Way to go, US of A!
And yes, good job, Mr. President.

So, he had a good day in his first 100 or so. This means, he might have 13 more by the end of his term, if we average things out here!

110 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:15:11am

re: #92 jwb7605

That wasn’t true in my era (‘68 - ‘72 — my carrier had a wooden deck!).
There were always “a few” (like 2 or 3) even on the escort vessels.

Things may easily have changed, though.

Yeah, but when I was on her, the bo’suns were rigging sails below the yardarm!

/not to mention the oars

111 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:15:12am

Anchors Aweigh
A salute to the US Navy.

112 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:15:16am

re: #102 redc1c4
5 inch to damn indiscriminate. Same for CWIS. Unless that captain is a damn fast swimmer!

113 Catttt  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:15:24am

re: #98 loppyd

I can’t stop reading this.

Survival, Evasion, Resistance And Escape - it’s what’s for dinner. :D

114 pink freud  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:15:49am

re: #87 Wishing

I hope albusteve is where he can hear this great news. He will be thrilled.


I was thinking the same thing. His jubilation will be a site to behold.

115 pass the moonbaticide  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:15:58am

re: #104 Musicmaven
Four Killed would have been a better start .
But all the same, one up for our side.

116 sattv4u2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:15:59am

re: #113 Catttt

Survival, Evasion, Resistance And Escape Pirate Hide - it’s what’s for dinner. :D

117 redc1c4  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:16:07am

re: #97 kiwiviv

Note to France:

This is how to run a rescue operation

totally uncalled for.

there is a reason rescue teams have the saying “it sucks to be a hostage”

118 Caton  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:16:35am
three pirates were killed and one was injured.

That’s wrong. Don’t let him wait and suffer, hang him already!

119 Desert Dog  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:17:03am

re: #88 avanti

The tugboat is Italian with mostly Italian hostages, and there are 8 or 9 more ships. As pound as I am about our Navy, I don’t think we need to save all the worlds merchant ships and their citizens by ourselves. We need to insure OUR ships and crews are safe and take action to see that’s done.
We need the other countries help to police the seas and strike back.

If we are going to wait for other countries, we will be waiting for a long time. As long as the companies and countries are willing to pay the ransoms, the piracy will continue. They might leave US flagged ships alone now, but the others are fair game.

If you make the higher ups pay a price, it does deter future attacks. If they hijack a ship and get air strikes from a drone as a payment, they will think twice.

Utlimately, something needs to be done on the ground in Somalia. The lawlessness is out of hand and warlords are running the place like Tony Soprano.

Now, that is something the USA cannot do alone, nor should we. But, if we do not press for it, ask for it, demand it and even threaten to act unilaterally, nothing will be done about it.

120 jwb7605  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:17:17am

re: #110 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Yeah, but when I was on her, the bo’suns were rigging sails below the yardarm!

/not to mention the oars

Manning the oars to get up to launching speed always did suck …. :)

121 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:17:19am

re: #117 redc1c4
I agree. The French had the moral fiber to go after their people. Guess what? In rescue attempts people die. Sometimes it’s the hostages.

122 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:17:34am

re: #113 Catttt

Survival, Evasion, Resistance And Escape - it’s what’s for dinner. :D

The human spirit is an amazing thing.

123 The Other Les  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:17:35am

re: #4 Wishing

Go Navy! Go Captain! Go SEALs!
Way to go, US of A!
And yes, good job, Mr. President.

Unfortunately, some Euroweenie prosecutor is going to seek an indictment against the SEALs for violating the rights of the pirates.

Just watch…

124 redc1c4  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:17:49am

re: #112 pingjockey

5 inch to damn indiscriminate. Same for CWIS. Unless that captain is a damn fast swimmer!

if yuo don’t fuze the 5 inch, it’s okay… and just fire du/tungsten rounds from the CWIS…… no frags to worry about and they’re both accurate enough to do the j*b.

125 itellu3times  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:18:15am

Pending more information, I suppose it’s just barely possible that the Obama administration handled this as well as could be asked. They tried negotiations. They asked for Somalia authorities to cooperate. They were turned down. They shrugged, and acted effectively instead. One can argue whether they should have acted effectively earlier (I’d say so), whether there was any chance at all of getting cooperation from the Somali authorities (warlords!). But hey, all’s well that ends well.

126 Nevergiveup  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:18:42am

re: #119 Desert Dog

Tony Saprano was on our side in this fight. Maybe not his liberal moron daughter, but tony was.

127 avanti  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:19:14am

re: #36 kynna

Can Obama keep this up? I think his poll numbers could rise as a result of this. Since he lives by that, will he make a correlation or will he credit the pooch?

In the interest of fairness, his poll numbers should not move based on this. He only did what every POTUS takes a oath to do, “protect and defend” He probably did little more then tell the military to do whatever is possible to save the captain and asked to be kept in the loop.
Some expected less of the POTUS, but I always though he’d task the military to get the job done. If you think he hates America, doing his job on occasion might surprise you, but I see nothing above and beyond by giving the military free rein to kick some ass.

128 MarineMomSue  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:19:40am

Captain Phillips was a hostage… but he REFUSED to be a victim!

Way to go, Captain!
Way to go, US Navy!

129 Killian Bundy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:20:02am

Boy, I sure hope they read Mr. Arrested Pirate his Miranda rights.

/hate to see him go free on a technicality

130 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:20:06am

re: #124 redc1c4
Hmmm. Never saw that done. Sounds good though.

131 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:20:13am

re: #125 itellu3times

I am happy this is over, but IMHO it should have ended when the captain jumped the first time. Makes me think there were orders not to shoot then…

132 Desert Dog  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:20:26am

re: #125 itellu3times

Pending more information, I suppose it’s just barely possible that the Obama administration handled this as well as could be asked. They tried negotiations. They asked for Somalia authorities to cooperate. They were turned down. They shrugged, and acted effectively instead. One can argue whether they should have acted effectively earlier (I’d say so), whether there was any chance at all of getting cooperation from the Somali authorities (warlords!). But hey, all’s well that ends well.

He gave the Navy the green light to act if the opportunity presented itself. I will give him the credit for that.

133 redc1c4  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:20:27am

re: #125 itellu3times

Pending more information, I suppose it’s just barely possible that the Obama administration handled this as well as could be asked. They tried negotiations. They asked for Somalia authorities to cooperate. They were turned down. They shrugged, and acted effectively instead. One can argue whether they should have acted effectively earlier (I’d say so), whether there was any chance at all of getting cooperation from the Somali authorities (warlords!). But hey, all’s well that ends well.

it’s also possible i’m a young, rich, good looking Hollywood superstar, but only a fool would think it likely. the only thing that makes any sense is that he avoided the whole situation, which allowed competent adults to make the right decisions without him screwing things up.

134 sattv4u2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:20:29am

re: #128 MarineMomSue

Captain Phillips was a hostage… but he REFUSED to be a victim!

Way to go, Captain!
Way to go, US Navy!

Any odds on what party/ ideological affiliation he is !?!?!?!

just sayin!

135 Musicmaven  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:20:43am

I am unfortunately waiting for Dohbama to apologize to Somalia for our harsh treatment of those misguided pirates, they were just doing it “for the children”
Has he commented yet?

136 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:20:43am

re: #95 Dr. Shalit

pBMb -

I see it was in the “P-I.” Not surprised.

-S-

Don’t much care — though I don’t trust the P-I either. I’ve seen that in other (reputable) sources. To some unconfirmed extent, the Somali fishermen did fall upon hard times.

Dont get me wrong. I want the Marines to occupy places like Eyl and triage out anyone who might have been involved in piracy. There’s lots of ransom-purchased gear in the places which could NEVER have been acquired in any other way. Go figure.

137 avanti  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:20:46am

re: #99 Nevergiveup

Ah give France their due. They tried and accidents happen. And they didn’t give in to the dam pirates.

I agree, their military must feel like crap for the one death, but they did the best they could.

138 sattv4u2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:20:59am

re: #132 Desert Dog

He gave the Navy the green light to act if the opportunity presented itself. I will give him the credit for that.

upding ,, same here

139 jwb7605  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:21:04am

Is it time to ask if we can now get off this topic and start discussing the important things like whether Obama bowed?
///

140 itellu3times  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:21:26am

re: #131 loppyd

I am happy this is over, but IMHO it should have ended when the captain jumped the first time. Makes me think there were orders not to shoot then…

I rather suspect that if the Bainbridge had simply pulled alongside the lifeboat and asked nicely, it would all have been over right then, with a good laugh all around.

141 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:21:35am

re: #129 Killian Bundy
Unless the FBI is there, the dude gets no Miranda rights. The US military is not law enforcement and cannot arrest anyone.

142 sattv4u2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:21:37am

re: #139 jwb7605

Is it time to ask if we can now get off this topic and start discussing the important things like whether Obama bowed?
///

or chose the coorect name for the new pooch/

143 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:21:47am

re: #127 avanti

…I see nothing above and beyond by giving the military free rein to kick some ass.

I see this is an apolitical event. If Obama gets credit for giving the military free rein, more power to him, and I applaud him for that.

It feels good to see great news like this!

144 Nevergiveup  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:21:58am

re: #129 Killian Bundy

Boy, I sure hope they read Mr. Arrested Pirate his Miranda rights.

/hate to see him go free on a technicality

Maybe he’ll decide to jump overboard?

145 avanti  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:22:08am

re: #139 jwb7605

Is it time to ask if we can now get off this topic and start discussing the important things like whether Obama bowed?
///

Pizzagate !

146 itellu3times  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:22:14am

re: #133 redc1c4

it’s also possible i’m a young, rich, good looking Hollywood superstar, but only a fool would think it likely. the only thing that makes any sense is that he avoided the whole situation, which allowed competent adults to make the right decisions without him screwing things up.

If so, I’d give him high marks, that is exactly what a president should do.

147 kiwiviv  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:22:18am

France is holding 12 Somali pirates - ready to face charges

148 redc1c4  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:22:21am

re: #130 pingjockey

Hmmm. Never saw that done. Sounds good though.

don;t know if you can *not* fuse the 5 inch, but they should have inert practice rounds, which would be the same thing, and i know they have non-explosive 20mm ammo…. or at least they used to.

149 sattv4u2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:22:27am

re: #144 Nevergiveup

Maybe he’ll decide to have help jumping overboard?


FTFY

150 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:22:35am

re: #120 jwb7605

Manning the oars to get up to launching speed always did suck …. :)

Oh, they DID still have the oars when you were on her?!?!

151 Killian Bundy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:22:41am

re: #141 pingjockey

Unless the FBI is there, the dude gets no Miranda rights. The US military is not law enforcement and cannot arrest anyone.

/well, there’s already talk about taking him to New York to face piracy charges

152 D. Edgren (the Merciless Infidel)  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:22:46am

ARRRR-ARRRR-AR…

…

…aw, shit!…


D. Edgren

153 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:22:46am

re: #140 itellu3times

I rather suspect that if the Bainbridge had simply pulled alongside the lifeboat and asked nicely, it would all have been over right then, with a good laugh all around.

Don’t bring a lifeboat to a battleship fight?

154 Desert Dog  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:22:55am

re: #137 avanti

I agree, their military must feel like crap for the one death, but they did the best they could.

If more countries fought back, rather than acquiesce to the demands, the pirates would not be as brazen. They have to know there is a tipping point where the world will not tolerate this kind of activity. Perhaps we have reached that point now?

155 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:23:00am

Hit the floor (with the US Navy SEALs)

I can’t think of a better thread to break 2000 comments.

156 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:23:08am

re: #148 redc1c4
Oh yeah, we’ve got ‘blue rounds’. They’re inert.

157 Nevergiveup  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:23:16am

re: #141 pingjockey

Unless the FBI is there, the dude gets no Miranda rights. The US military is not law enforcement and cannot arrest anyone.

Hum in the case of piracy on the high seas, I think they have some kind of arrest powers?

158 opnion  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:23:18am

Great news! Everybody gets credit for this, Captain Phillips, USN, Navy Seals & yes Obama.
Was the actual sequence that Phillips got into the water & that tripped the firefight?

159 itellu3times  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:23:37am

re: #153 loppyd

Don’t bring a lifeboat to a battleship fight?

Exactamundo.

160 Caton  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:23:51am

re: #157 Nevergiveup

Hum in the case of piracy on the high seas, I think they have some kind of arrest powers?

A rope would be enough.

161 kiwiviv  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:23:54am

re: #155 Idle Drifter

Thanks for that - great video

162 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:24:07am

re: #151 Killian Bundy
Well crap. Why do we let terrorists and their ilk avail themselves of our constitution?

163 Nevergiveup  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:24:48am

re: #160 Caton

A rope would be enough.

Well the prisoner has rights after all. Lets keel haul him and see what happens?

164 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:25:09am

re: #158 opnion

Great news! Everybody gets credit for this, Captain Phillips, USN, Navy Seals & yes Obama.
Was the actual sequence that Phillips got into the water & that tripped the firefight?

Yes!


One U.S. government official said Capt. Richard Phillips jumped off the lifeboat where he was being held by the pirates and got rescued by U.S. naval forces monitoring the situation, though another source disputed that account.

If Phillips leaped into the ocean, it would have been the second such escape attempt in recent days. A similar escape bid early Friday was unsuccessful.

Phillips later was free aboard the U.S.S. Bainbridge, one of the Navy ships, sources said.

165 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:25:26am

re: #161 kiwiviv

Thanks for that - great video

Your welcome.

166 redc1c4  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:25:53am

re: #156 pingjockey

Oh yeah, we’ve got ‘blue rounds’. They’re inert.

but ballistically equivalent to the green and yellow ones. go for the KE kill.

167 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:26:02am

re: #163 Nevergiveup

Well the prisoner has rights after all. Lets keel haul him and see what happens?

In this case, “rights” means … start him out on the starboard side.

168 kiwiviv  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:26:11am

Rather than bringing the pirates here for trial - why not the World Court?

169 Nene1  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:26:30am

re: #140 itellu3times
I can detect sarcasm, you know !

170 DEZes  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:26:52am

Pirates; We are not afraid of the Americans!
Seals; You never were too bright.

171 sattv4u2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:27:04am

re: #168 kiwiviv

Rather than bringing the pirates here for trial - why not the World Court?

If the World Court, why waste time, Just release him now !

///

172 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:27:07am

re: #157 Nevergiveup
We can detain Mr. Pirate, but not arrest. Arrest is a legal term. The Coast Guard has arrest powers, not the military.

173 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:27:17am

re: #168 kiwiviv

Rather than bringing the pirates here for trial - why not the World Court?

Come to think of it, I haven’t seen a Keystone Kops movie in decades.

174 jwb7605  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:27:21am

re: #163 Nevergiveup

Well the prisoner has rights after all. Lets keel haul him and see what happens?

Now THAT is what I call waterboarding!

175 Clubsec  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:27:39am

re: ‘pirates’
Three killed and one injured?
Bad aim on one shooters part, or perhaps the shooters were told to ‘wing one’?
Get that pirate a lawyer! Sue baby, sue.

Let the litigation circus begin.

176 Nevergiveup  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:27:45am

re: #168 kiwiviv

Rather than bringing the pirates here for trial - why not the World Court?

Because the have cable TV in their rooms and allow conjugal visits with girlfriends, wives and whores.

177 redc1c4  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:27:55am

re: #146 itellu3times

If so, I’d give him high marks, that is exactly what a president should do.

and exactly the opposite from what i’d expect from Ear Leader. if he avoided this, it was likely because he didn’t want to be blamed for any bad results. it also means he can’t claim the good. all he did was vote “present”, as per usual.

/spit

178 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:28:08am

re: #166 redc1c4
Yep. they weigh 70lbs. Put a powder can behind that, it’d make hash of a wooden boat.

179 Salem  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:28:21am

Well, glad it didn’t turn out to be a Jimmy Carter moment. But while a four pirates score is a nice start, the weakness this administration has been showing around the world has been like blood in the water for the pirate menace in the first place. And With any luck, Obama will like the feeling of doing the right thing and develop a habit. It certainly benefits him politically more than it ever would have Bush.

180 sattv4u2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:28:22am

re: #170 DEZes

Pirates; We are not afraid of the Americans!
Seals; You never were too bright. Good,, fear leads to caution, caution leads to planning, planning leads to success

sorry ,,, yours was very good ,, but I had too!

181 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:28:36am

re: #174 jwb7605

Now THAT is what I call waterboarding!

Yes, it’s a hull of a thing to do, isn’t it!

182 opnion  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:28:59am

Now it’s time for extreme retribution. The Warlords & their minions need to be decimated. They should be fodder for landfill & are of no value to Somalia or the greater world.
In antiquity it was known that harming a Roman citizen would uinleash hell.
That was respected until Rome went into decline.

183 itellu3times  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:29:10am

re: #169 Nene1

I can detect sarcasm, you know !

Even when there is none, hmm?

One can argue if simply pulling out a bigger gun, would have been higher risk than what happened instead. These pirates seem rational, in their own twisted way. I’m OK with the way things went, I just have to wonder if it was even necessary.

184 DEZes  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:29:10am

re: #180 sattv4u2

sorry ,,, yours was very good ,, but I had too!

Have fun with it, its a great day. ;)

185 Nene1  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:29:23am

re: #147 kiwiviv

France is holding 12 Somali pirates - ready to face charges


It’s a pity they don’t have the Guillotine to deal with these , er , pirates, in the Islamic manner.

/Just sayin’

186 avanti  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:30:01am

re: #143 Drained Brain

I see this is an apolitical event. If Obama gets credit for giving the military free rein, more power to him, and I applaud him for that.

It feels good to see great news like this!

It’s a mini, no micro 9-11 kind of event. If I recall, the lefties, the middle and the rest all got behind Bush for a few weeks, it’s the American way. BHO, might get a well deserved few days slack, but we’ll be back to normal until someone fucks with our country again.

187 opnion  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:30:06am

re: #164 loppyd

Thanks

188 Eclectic Infidel  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:30:21am

re: #21 Dianna

Agreed!

Congratulations all around - now let’s take the battle to the pirates.

Yes. Until we knock them to the ground and keep them there, there is potential that this will happen again. Despite my more liberal views, I admittedly take the Daniel Pipes approach to dealing with terrorists.

189 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:30:41am

re: #183 itellu3times
Is what necessary? Killing pirates? To me it is a moral imperative to wipe out terrorism.

190 Desert Dog  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:30:45am

re: #168 kiwiviv

Rather than bringing the pirates here for trial - why not the World Court?

The world court is hardly an apolitical venue. It is quite anti-American and we should avoid giving it any justification. If we start bringing these scumbags over, they will start demanding we give them the rest down in Guantanamo. That might seem like a blessing, but you can almost guarantee most of them would be set free and would blame the USA for holding them illegally. And, more importantly, they will try and start trying American citizens for “crimes” they feel we have committed.

191 redc1c4  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:30:59am

re: #147 kiwiviv

France is holding 12 Somali pirates - ready to face charges

i’d say about a pound of C-4 each ought to do…….. %-)

192 redc1c4  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:31:23am

re: #181 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Yes, it’s a hull of a thing to do, isn’t it!

if it doesn’t keel you, that is.

193 avanti  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:32:16am

re: #154 Desert Dog

If more countries fought back, rather than acquiesce to the demands, the pirates would not be as brazen. They have to know there is a tipping point where the world will not tolerate this kind of activity. Perhaps we have reached that point now?

I would hope so. How cool would it be for the Italians to rescue their tug boat ?

194 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:32:18am

re: #192 redc1c4

if it doesn’t keel you, that is.

If it does, you’ll go strake to hell.

195 dual_boot_brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:32:20am

They did not respect us, now they will fear us.

196 jwb7605  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:33:16am

re: #181 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Yes, it’s a hull of a thing to do, isn’t it!

Did you ever see that film of the A-6 that flamed out on launch and “got run over by the ship”?

Both occupants (pilot and weapons officer) actually made it out alive, but one of the screws did cut off the pilot’s leg.

That happened back in “our time”. We (the Hancock crew) saw the film (and the interviews) as a part of a Navy training series. It wasn’t the Hancock that the incident occurred on.

197 kiwiviv  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:33:38am

Thanks for the info on the world court - the problem is, if we try them in the USA there will be the problem of the US Judges

198 redc1c4  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:34:19am

re: #178 pingjockey

Yep. they weigh 70lbs. Put a powder can behind that, it’d make hash of a wooden boat.

exactly. my friend was a S-3 NCO in Iraq for a year. the prefered GBU mutition of high value targets in city areas was an inert 500# bomb…… no blast/frag collateral damage, but plenty of “kinetic effects” on the target area. %-)

199 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:34:20am

re: #197 kiwiviv
The navy caught them. Give them a Navy court martial.

200 Curt  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:34:38am

re: #60 pingjockey

What tin can is that?

BAINBRIDGE was on scene, then HALYBURTON was on the way. My point was they may have been allowed to shoot IF Captain Phillips went swimming by his own choice, and could get clear of the firing area, not because the Navy overtly was specifically trying to get in a position to engage “safely.”

More he got rescued by taking his changes into his own hands, not because the special forces operators and others were left to make it happen.

201 kiwiviv  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:34:49am

re: #199 pingjockey

The navy caught them. Give them a Navy court martial.

That will do for me!

202 redc1c4  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:35:29am

re: #194 pre-Boomer Marine brat

If it does, you’ll go strake to hell.

i’d rudder knot.

203 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:35:51am

re: #200 Curt
No, I meant the pic for your nic. That’s a Spruance class DD shooting a Harpoon! I was on the USS O’Brien for 5 years. DD975.

204 Steffan  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:35:52am

re: #14 Wishing

I actually LIKE Obama for the moment.
I am thrilled he did the right thing.
/I am sure it will pass.

It won’t surprise me if he tries to take credit for this.

205 itellu3times  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:35:52am

re: #189 pingjockey

Is what necessary? Killing pirates? To me it is a moral imperative to wipe out terrorism.

Suddenly I’m a peacenik?

The point of having all these big guns, is never having to use them. Well, seldom, anyway. Once we make our point, we can all be friends, kumbaya, and the pirates can open an amusement park or something. And if we can make that point simply by pulling alongside, so much the better. Terrorism is wiped out, without a shot being fired.

Along those lines, I’d say we do not at this point have any excuse to go shooting up any pirate bases. Now, if the pirates try again, and follow our escalation and shoot someone or something, well then, time to pull out some bigger guns. We have about a million times the power of these pirates. As long as we are not totally paralyzed by our own system, there should be no big problems. Not for us.

206 Occasional Reader  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:35:56am

Drive-by BOOYAH!

FANTASTIC news!

207 Taqiyyotomist  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:36:50am

Hallelujah!

208 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:37:39am

re: #196 jwb7605

Did you ever see that film of the A-6 that flamed out on launch and “got run over by the ship”?

Both occupants (pilot and weapons officer) actually made it out alive, but one of the screws did cut off the pilot’s leg.

That happened back in “our time”. We (the Hancock crew) saw the film (and the interviews) as a part of a Navy training series. It wasn’t the Hancock that the incident occurred on.

No, I never saw that

209 kiwiviv  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:38:10am

A question…how do the guys on the lifeboat go to the loo? I was wondering if Capt. Phillips had to jump in the ocean for personal reasons - at least he might’ve needed to lean over the side of the lifeboat - saw the SEALS…and then it was all on like donkey kong!

210 Taqiyyotomist  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:38:23am

USN baby. Fighting pirates is their roots!

211 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:38:26am

re: #205 itellu3times
What part of the word pirate don’t you get? They are being well paid for this behavior and will not stop unless said behavior is shown to have a deleterious affect on their health.

212 Bobblehead  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:38:31am

re: #200 Curt

BAINBRIDGE was on scene, then HALYBURTON was on the way. My point was they may have been allowed to shoot IF Captain Phillips went swimming by his own choice, and could get clear of the firing area, not because the Navy overtly was specifically trying to get in a position to engage “safely.”

More he got rescued by taking his changes into his own hands, not because the special forces operators and others were left to make it happen.

That is what I think too. The captain took matters in to his own hands. I’m glad he did.

213 redc1c4  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:38:35am

inspired by this good news, i’m off to destroy the nest of bugs residing under the house, as they do every spring, by using chemical WMD on their sorry asses.

/gotta remember to shut off the furnace pilot lights first, or i’ll take the house out along with them. %-)

214 Eclectic Infidel  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:39:21am

O-T:

Just listened to the track “Spirits 16” by Keith Jarrett on Pandora Radio. Beautiful. It went especially well with my late morning coffee buzz. :)

215 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:39:38am

re: #187 opnion

Thanks

You’re welcome. It gives me the warm fuzzies to post that!

216 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:40:00am

Captain Phillips has balls made of titanium.

Congrats to a real hero!

And there is also a learning opportunity for our President in this happy conclusion. Act in our own interest, have courage, and don’t EVER wait for the UN to help us in a crisis.

Congrats to all … and God Bless America!

217 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:40:24am

re: #202 redc1c4

i’d rudder knot.

And getting tossed over the side while the ship’s at flank speed is having the screws put to you.

/using that one, even after jwb7605’s #196, because I already had it in the hopper.

218 [deleted]  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:40:35am
219 kiwiviv  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:41:14am

re: #213 redc1c4

inspired by this good news, i’m off to destroy the nest of bugs residing under the house, as they do every spring, by using chemical WMD on their sorry asses.

/gotta remember to shut off the furnace pilot lights first, or i’ll take the house out along with them. %-)

Do you have an answer for mu wasps?

220 Sunlight  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:41:24am

re: #25 tappin52

My guess is that when the Navy saw him take to the water, the pirates came out into the open to try to get him back and the Navy did their thing. Wonderful spirit this man has. He facilitated his own rescue. Bravo!

Did he jump into the water again?

221 Killian Bundy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:41:33am

Captain jumps overboard, SEALs shoot pirates, official says

The American captain of a cargo ship held hostage by pirates jumped overboard from the lifeboat where he was being held, and U.S. Navy SEALs shot and killed three of his four captors, according to a senior U.S. official with knowledge of the situation.

Capt. Richard Phillips was helped out of the water off the Somali coast and is uninjured and in good condition, the official said. He was taken aboard the USS Bainbridge, a nearby naval warship.

At the time of the shootings, the fourth pirate was aboard the Bainbridge negotiating with officials, the source said. That pirate was taken into custody.

/so basically Phillips rescued himself

222 Desert Dog  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:42:20am

re: #211 pingjockey

What part of the word pirate don’t you get? They are being well paid for this behavior and will not stop unless said behavior is shown to have a deleterious affect on their health.

When the life expectancy versus payday quotient starts diminishing….it gets harder to find new recruits. Of course, if your hopped up on Qwat or your crazy-eyed Jihad meter is off the charts, it might not matter.

223 yochanan  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:42:25am

mazel tov.

224 Kulhwch  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:42:47am

I’m impressed at the size of the nads of the captain, too. Those waters have a lot of sharks, not to mention the ones that usually follow large ships around (so the Bainbridge probably had a couple following her, etc.).

}:)     [Took some big ones to jump into that … ]

225 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:43:01am

re: #222 Desert Dog
That is true.

226 Steffan  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:43:42am

re: #67 Gella

let me guess Gitmo, but on the other hand, it will he an easy punishment for him

Kenya. Dubya made a deal with Kenya to try any pirates we capture there.

227 BigDog  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:43:53am

Good job Navy!

228 Sabnen  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:44:08am

A young Julius Caesar was kidnapped by Mediterranean Pirates and later ransomed (the pirates wanted to ask for 20 talents, he insisted they ask for 50!). The pirates were sure they couldn’t be found later because their cove was part of a monotonous coastline with indistinguishable geography (ancient Cilicia, modern Turkey/Syrian border). Unfortunately for them, Caesar counted the number of coves as he was led away. He returned, counting, with a Roman naval fleet. He captured the pirates and later delivered on the promise he made to them while held that he would return and crucify them all, and he did.

Later, his brother-in-law, Pompey, was tasked with ridding the Mediterranean of all it’s pirates; no small task as the pirates ruled the Mediterranean. Pompey planned, executed and rid the Mediterranean of it’s entire pirate population in 9 months …

… we could do the same, but off the coast of Africa.

229 avanti  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:44:25am

re: #221 Killian Bundy

Captain jumps overboard, SEALs shoot pirates, official says

/so basically Phillips rescued himself

He would have been dead without the Navy, the bad guys were about to fire on him. It’s not like he swam to the destroyer and climbed aboard, he was rescued.

230 Bobblehead  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:44:57am

Captain Phillips for President. Also, the pilot who landed the plane on the river. True grit!

231 Sunlight  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:45:16am

Maybe the U.S. govt could hire Capt. Phillips (if he’s willing!) to head up the “pirate contingency operations”. He obviously thinks very quickly on his feet and by now, having sat with the pirates for more than a day, probably knows more about them than he would ever have imagined…

232 Desert Dog  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:45:34am

re: #218 Iron Fist

This is about the best possible outcome we could have hoped for, so far. We have our man back, and some pirates are discussing future housing plans with their patron Moon god. Well and good. The question is what do we do next? Do we treat this as an act of war? The acts of a mad dog (put it down)? Or some law enforcement matter to be dealt with in the courts?

Either of the first two answers are acceptable, but the only thing worse than option three would be to treat it like the Cole bombing and simply do nothing of substance.

They are sitting in Warlord Manor and saying to themselves, “Hey, let’s not attack anymore American ships for a while”

233 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:46:09am

FNC just said the pirates made 50 million dollars in ransoms last year. BTW, they want the ransom paid in 100 dollar bills.

234 Nene1  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:46:14am

re: #203 pingjockey
Good for you, PingJockey ! Thank You for your service.
I bet you were itching for the type of engagement USS Bainbridge has just performed honourably in !

235 Killian Bundy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:46:30am

re: #229 avanti

He would have been dead without the Navy, the bad guys were about to fire on him. It’s not like he swam to the destroyer and climbed aboard, he was rescued.

/the point is nothing was happening until he jumped in the water

236 opnion  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:46:33am

How long before we hear crtics foreign & domestic, whine about the Human Rights of the Pirates being violated?

237 DEZes  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:47:40am

re: #236 opnion

How long before we hear crtics foreign & domestic, whine about the Human Rights of the Pirates being violated?

I am sure the kos kiddies are all over it.

238 Bluto8  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:48:11am

re: #81 6pat6
Now that is just funny!

239 Bobblehead  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:48:22am

My question is as follows: Did 0 authorize anything at all or was he sitting on his hands waiting for something to happen? Would the Navy been allowed to do anything at all if the captain had not taken matters into his own hands?

240 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:48:35am

re: #234 Nene1
Hell yeah. I was off of Iran when the rescue attempt went down during the Iranian hostage mess. At one point we had 4 carrier battle groups off the coast. Could’ve taken Irans infrastructure out and we didn’t.

241 Caton  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:48:53am

re: #236 opnion

How long before we hear crtics foreign & domestic, whine about the Human Rights of the Pirates being violated?

Hey! I did it first. Not hanging the last one immediately is torture.

242 Salem  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:48:55am

I don’t think the future is too bright for Somali piracy, at this point. The thing is, a lot of these guys pretty much have a choice between the gamble of going down to Davey Jones locker for some big money or getting their ass shot off in Somalia by some warlord or another for free. Even some small promise of money will keep them going for awhile. But they’re going to be outclassed until the end.

243 pink freud  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:48:57am

re: #236 opnion

How long before we hear crtics foreign & domestic, whine about the Human Rights of the Pirates being violated?

Let ‘em whine.

Power to the right people!

244 jcm  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:48:58am

Repost from earlier thread.

Merchant Marine Emblem, Medals and Ribbons

Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal - The Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to any Seaman in the U.S. Merchant Marine who, on or after September 3, 1939, has distinguished himself during the war by outstanding conduct or service in the line of duty. Not more than one medal shall be issued to any one seaman, but for each succeeding instance sufficient to justify the award of a medal, there will be awarded a suitable insignia to be worn with the medal. [Designed by Paul Manship.]

Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal - The Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to Seamen of any ship operated by or for the War Shipping Administration who is commended by the Administrator for conduct or service of a meritorious nature, but not sufficient to warrant the Distinguished Service Medal. [Designed by Paul Manship.]

Fighting off the pirates, put himself in harms way for the good of the ship, one attempt escape and one successful with help from the SEAls. I think he qualifies.

245 opnion  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:49:01am

re: #237 DEZes

I am sure the kos kiddies are all over it.

Either that or they will be trying to make Obama look like Patton.

246 The Other Les  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:49:30am

re: #233 pingjockey

FNC just said the pirates made 50 million dollars in ransoms last year. BTW, they want the ransom paid in 100 dollar bills.

Have them printed in North Korea. (I understand that they’re into counterfeiting.)

247 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:49:40am

re: #239 Bobblehead
Obama would’ve had to sign off on a military response. He is the CinC.

248 countrygurl  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:49:49am

huh? One pirate survived? Isn’t that what gang-planks are for?

249 DEZes  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:49:50am

re: #245 opnion

Either that or they will be trying to make Obama look like Patton.

True that.

250 Sunlight  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:50:01am

re: #221 Killian Bundy

Captain jumps overboard, SEALs shoot pirates, official says

/so basically Phillips rescued himself

No, he did it before to break the deadlock, but the fabulous Navy WAS RESTRAINED from doing anything so he was hauled back onboard. This time the Navy was ALLOWED to do their fabulous thing and get Capt. Phillips out. Capt. Phillips obviously is a leader, self-starter, and should be involved in forward planning of ROE for pirate contingency ops!

251 Stonemason  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:50:04am

Cudos to the USN
America, still the greatest nation on the planet

252 Desert Dog  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:50:12am

re: #239 Bobblehead

My question is as follows: Did 0 authorize anything at all or was he sitting on his hands waiting for something to happen? Would the Navy been allowed to do anything at all if the captain had not taken matters into his own hands?

He had to give the green light to engage if the opportunity presented itself. Without the Captain jumping in the water, that opportunity would not have presented itself. This could have easily ended with the pirates and the Captain getting killed.

253 Shr_Nfr  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:50:13am

re: #24 realwest

I have serious doubt that Obama was involved at any substantive level.

254 Bobblehead  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:50:37am

Another question..How much of the “President Pantywaist” and “surrender monkey” stuff is getting to the big 0?

255 opnion  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:50:41am

re: #241 Caton

Hey! I did it first. Not hanging the last one immediately is torture.

Right, hedeserved to die an honorable death with his comrades.
Hmm, how did the last Pirate avoid falling overboard?

256 Occasional Reader  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:50:59am

CNN idiot just referred to “3 pirates killed, one HELD HOSTAGE”

GAH!

257 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:51:02am

re: #246 The Other Les
Mwahaha! When our troops got to Bagdad they carted off and burned tons, literally., of counterfit US dollars.

258 Pickles  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:51:05am

Gratz to the Navy and also to President Obama. I can’t stand Obama’s policies but here he did the right thing and so did the Navy. Captain Phillips did what American’s should do: He didn’t wait and took matters into his own hands and the awesome Navy Seals took advantage of that. Good for them. Obama would have gotten the blame had it gone wrong, he deserves the credit when it succeeds.

259 Killian Bundy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:51:20am

re: #250 Sunlight

No, he did it before to break the deadlock, but the fabulous Navy WAS RESTRAINED from doing anything so he was hauled back onboard. This time the Navy was ALLOWED to do their fabulous thing and get Capt. Phillips out. Capt. Phillips obviously is a leader, self-starter, and should be involved in forward planning of ROE for pirate contingency ops!

/what if he hadn’t hopped in the water again?

260 Shr_Nfr  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:51:21am

re: #236 opnion

I expect a piece to that effect in the daily Kos tomorrow.

261 The Other Les  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:51:21am

re: #253 Shr_Nfr

I have serious doubt that Obama was involved at any substantive level.

That would be distracting.

262 jcm  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:51:25am

re: #240 pingjockey

Hell yeah. I was off of Iran when the rescue attempt went down during the Iranian hostage mess. At one point we had 4 carrier battle groups off the coast. Could’ve taken Irans infrastructure out and we didn’t.

And if we had acted that way we know now the Mad Mullahs grip on power was tenuous and the US’s inaction made them look good and strengthened their hold on power.

263 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:51:34am

re: #256 Occasional Reader
WHAT?!

264 jcm  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:51:43am

re: #246 The Other Les

Have them printed in North Korea. (I understand that they’re into counterfeiting.)

Iran and Syria are into printing also.

265 opnion  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:52:30am

Ok, now I’m going to gety pissy. BHO will no doubt insist that Captain Phillips come to the White House for a photo op.

266 DEZes  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:52:38am

re: #256 Occasional Reader

CNN idiot just referred to “3 pirates killed, one HELD HOSTAGE”

GAH!

Sounds like a CNN reporter has Horse shit for brains.

267 Caton  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:52:38am

re: #256 Occasional Reader

CNN idiot just referred to “3 pirates killed, one HELD HOSTAGE”

That’s what happens when you torture ‘em.

268 Nene1  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:52:48am

re: #240 pingjockey
… and with any other President but Carter, you would have !

269 Shr_Nfr  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:53:13am

re: #258 Pickles

I doubt the Panderer in Chief had much to do with the shoot to kill order.

270 Salem  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:53:16am

re: #256 Occasional Reader

CNN idiot just referred to “3 pirates killed, one HELD HOSTAGE”

GAH!

Really? Wow. They never fail to astound me.

271 Desert Dog  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:53:41am

re: #256 Occasional Reader

CNN idiot just referred to “3 pirates killed, one HELD HOSTAGE”

GAH!

That mindset will not go away anytime soon. Amazing….the blood thirsty, criminal pirate is now a “hostage”…..what an a**hole

272 kiwiviv  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:53:42am

re: #256 Occasional Reader

CNN idiot just referred to “3 pirates killed, one HELD HOSTAGE”

GAH!

A good reason to avoid CNN at all costs

273 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:53:48am

I really REALLY want to see our new President use this opportunity to blast the living shit out of the pirate bases along the coast of somalia. There is plenty of support in the international community (whose approval means so much to him) for such action. This is such a no brainer. Acting like a badass now will send precisely the correct message to the world about fucking with us. But acting passively at this moment in time will send exactly the wrong message.

Mr. President … do the right thing!

274 Shr_Nfr  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:53:57am

re: #261 The Other Les

Please let me eat my pizza.

275 Sunlight  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:54:07am

re: #259 Killian Bundy

/what if he hadn’t hopped in the water again?

Don’t care to imagine. Getting close to land. Watching news at the gym, they were talking about the capt being taken ashore as part of negotiations. OMG.

276 The Other Les  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:54:21am

re: #256 Occasional Reader

CNN idiot just referred to “3 pirates killed, one HELD HOSTAGE”

GAH!

There’s a name for people who feel (no thinking at all here) that we are evil, they’re called enemies.

And when that enemy is a citizen of the United States then he is properly called a traitor.

277 unrealizedviewpoint  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:54:35am

re: #253 Shr_Nfr

I have serious doubt that Obama was involved at any substantive level.

He probably played a substantial role as Commander In Chief by giving the order to engage.

278 Shr_Nfr  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:54:42am

re: #273 _RememberTonyC

Yeah do the right thing resign.

279 Shr_Nfr  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:55:11am

re: #277 unrealizedviewpoint

I differ.

280 The Other Les  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:55:14am

re: #260 Shr_Nfr

I expect a piece to that effect in the daily Kos tomorrow.

I would expect it later today.

281 opnion  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:56:49am

I Just wonder if the real story is that BHO had the ST. Louis, Chicago Pizza ghuys make a delivery to the lifeboat to distract the Pirates, so Captain Phillips could jump in the water.

282 Bobblehead  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:56:50am

re: #277 unrealizedviewpoint

He probably played a substantial role as Commander In Chief by giving the order to engage.

I doubt it was not without a considerable amount of prodding by the military brass. 0 doesn’t strike me has having the same guts as Pres. Bush.

283 Occasional Reader  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:57:17am

re: #270 Salem

Really? Wow. They never fail to astound me.

To be clear; she quickly corrected herself to “captured”. But still…

284 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:57:41am

Picture of the newly free captain!

285 avanti  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:57:43am

re: #235 Killian Bundy

/the point is nothing was happening until he jumped in the water

Yep, they waited so they could kill the bad guys without killing the captain, great plan.

286 Bluto8  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:57:52am

re: #112 pingjockey

Probably more like a 50 Cal.

287 Salem  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:58:16am

re: #283 Occasional Reader

To be clear; she quickly corrected herself to “captured”. But still…

She remembered that Bush wasn’t in the White House anymore, I guess.

288 Nene1  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:58:32am

re: #265 opnion

289 Bobblehead  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:58:38am

re: #273 _RememberTonyC

I really REALLY want to see our new President use this opportunity to blast the living shit out of the pirate bases along the coast of somalia. There is plenty of support in the international community (whose approval means so much to him) for such action. This is such a no brainer. Acting like a badass now will send precisely the correct message to the world about fucking with us. But acting passively at this moment in time will send exactly the wrong message.

Mr. President … do the right thing!

He won’t. He got another country(ours) to bring down with his economic policies. Priorities, you know

290 countrygurl  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:58:48am

re: #276 The Other Les

There’s a name for people who feel (no thinking at all here) that we are evil, they’re called enemies.

And when that enemy is a citizen of the United States then he is properly called a traitor.

Amen to that.

291 avanti  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:59:12am

re: #265 opnion

Ok, now I’m going to gety pissy. BHO will no doubt insist that Captain Phillips come to the White House for a photo op.

The captain deserves that invite.

292 debutaunt  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:59:18am

re: #27 pre-Boomer Marine brat

Now … what happens to the other pirates onshore?
How did the skiff they were originally in get 300 miles out into the ocean?
Do we go looking for the mother ship?
Where were these pirates based?

We have a pirate in custody.
/think the SEALS could make him talk?


Will this administration send him to Guan, I mean Maui?

293 Pickles  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:59:37am

re: #269 Shr_Nfr

I doubt the Panderer in Chief had much to do with the shoot to kill order.

No doubt. But that is not the point. If it had gone wrong, many would have blamed him whether or not he had anything to do with what happened. The bottom line is he is the President. I don’t like him, I hope he’s only here for one term because I believe he is doing lasting damage to our nation, our constitution and our economy, but as Commander in Chief he should get the props if we are also going to give him the blame. I can give the guy props for this and yet oppose him for the vast majority of what he does.

294 Bobblehead  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:00:19pm

re: #284 loppyd

Picture of the newly free captain!

I hope he gets an enormous raise.

295 Desert Dog  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:00:44pm

re: #280 The Other Les

I would expect it later today.

Just got back from lurking over there. They are spouting off then usual drivel. Some are posting similar things that we are here….congratulating the Seals and praising the Captain. Other are gloating about how Obama should get all the credit and that Bush did nothing about it when he was in office. And, of course, there are many that are still living in the campaign talking about McCain….wtf is that?

My heart sinks everytime I read that stuff over there…..if their vision is allowed to dominate our country, we are totally screwed

296 reine.de.tout  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:01:17pm

Live press conference on the rescue.

297 opnion  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:02:03pm

re: #285 avanti

Yep, they waited so they could kill the bad guys without killing the captain, great plan.

OK, but if he was unable to jump in the water again? How would think that these yoots were so freakin stupid to let it happen twice?
There had to be another plan.

298 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:02:05pm

re: #278 Shr_Nfr

Yeah do the right thing resign.

if we are going to bash him when he screws up, we have to give him the nod when things go well. i am not holding my breath that he will turn the pirate bases into parking lots, but i am hopeful that he will. Considering how france acted decisively yesterday and in light of today’s events, maybe he might realize that sometimes being a badass is a good thing.

299 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:02:07pm

re: #294 Bobblehead

I hope he gets an enormous raise.

Or at least a nice, long vacation! :)

300 Nene1  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:02:09pm

re: #288 Nene1
Whoops, Where did the rest go ?

I said : Give credit where it’s due . If Obama authorised this Op, then good for him. We’re not Liberals : WE don’t say that all motives of our Political adversaries are suspect.

301 Occasional Reader  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:02:28pm

THREE CHEERS for the brave Captain Phillips and the United States Navy!

HIP HIP…

302 opnion  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:03:22pm

re: #301 Occasional Reader

THREE CHEERS for the brave Captain Phillips and the United States Navy!

HIP HIP…

Right on!

303 Desert Dog  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:03:25pm

re: #301 Occasional Reader

THREE CHEERS for the brave Captain Phillips and the United States Navy!

HIP HIP…

hooray!

304 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:04:54pm

re: #298 _RememberTonyC

if we are going to bash him when he screws up, we have to give him the nod when things go well. i am not holding my breath that he will turn the pirate bases into parking lots, but i am hopeful that he will. Considering how france acted decisively yesterday and in light of today’s events, maybe he might realize that sometimes being a badass is a good thing.

I don’t think he has the spine - or desire - to level the bases.

305 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:05:02pm

re: #256 Occasional Reader

CNN idiot just referred to “3 pirates killed, one HELD HOSTAGE”

GAH!

Slap the reporter.

306 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:05:59pm

re: #304 loppyd


probably not … but I guess we’ll soon find out.

307 Occasional Reader  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:06:06pm

HIP HIP

308 Pete-billy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:06:34pm

wow ..great news ! Bravo !

309 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:06:41pm

re: #307 Occasional Reader

HOORAY!

310 pink freud  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:07:04pm

re: #307 Occasional Reader

HIP HIP

HOOOORAAAY!

311 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:07:07pm

re: #306 _RememberTonyC

probably not … but I guess we’ll soon find out.

I hope I’m wrong.

312 Killian Bundy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:07:22pm

re: #285 avanti

Yep, they waited so they could kill the bad guys without killing the captain, great plan.

/can’t help but wonder what they planned on doing if Phillips hadn’t jumped overboard again

313 avanti  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:07:29pm

re: #297 opnion

Mainly, talk, wait, keep the captain alive and jump at the first opportunity. A better plan then going in guns blazing as suggested earlier IMHO.

314 Occasional Reader  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:07:34pm

HIP HIP

315 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:07:50pm

re: #314 Occasional Reader

HIP HIP

HOOOOORAY!

316 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:08:00pm

HOORAY!

317 Sunlight  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:09:27pm

re: #274 Shr_Nfr

Please let me eat my pizza.

It’s almost Wednesday… time for my party.

318 jcbunga  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:10:38pm

Can you imagine the bravery of Captain Phillips?
-Apparently traded himself for his crew
-Spends 4 days in a fiberglass oven bobbing in the ocean with his potential killers
-Jumps into the open ocean not once, but twice

This guy is a hero.

So are the Patriots who rescued him and reminded these bastards how we deal with pirates.

319 Catttt  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:11:14pm

re: #304 loppyd

I don’t think he has the spine - or desire - to level the bases.

But it would be awesome - a Teddy Roosevelt moment, and a turning point for President O - if he did. All Your Base Are Belong To Us.

Youtube Video
320 Desert Dog  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:12:15pm

re: #313 avanti

Mainly, talk, wait, keep the captain alive and jump at the first opportunity. A better plan then going in guns blazing as suggested earlier IMHO.

What if no opportunity presented itself? What if that lifeboat was allowed to go ashore? I think something had to be done. But, because of the courage of the Captain, they did not have to make that hard choice. I am just happy things ended the way they did.

321 Desert Dog  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:13:11pm

re: #318 jcbunga

Can you imagine the bravery of Captain Phillips?
-Apparently traded himself for his crew
-Spends 4 days in a fiberglass oven bobbing in the ocean with his potential killers
-Jumps into the open ocean not once, but twice

This guy is a hero.

So are the Patriots who rescued him and reminded these bastards how we deal with pirates.

The Captain and the entire crew displayed a fighting spirit that makes me proud to be an American. That is what we are all about.

322 proud to be an infidel  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:14:47pm

So when is the ACLU gonna launch an investigation into the deaths of the 3 Somalia pirates? I mean, I’m sure they want to start the war crimes trial against the Navy as soon as possible. Of course, the left wing Berkley/Kos kids will be crying for the surviving Somalia pirate who is being brought to the U.S. to stand trial. I mean, what a terrible injustice to that poor Somalian and his family. And then it will be all Bush’s fault!

Isn’t it great that America is so wonderful and free that we allow people to open their mouths and make big fools of themselves without recrimination?

323 jwb7605  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:15:16pm

re: #321 Desert Dog

The Captain and the entire crew displayed a fighting spirit that makes me proud to be an American. That is what we are all about.

No comment.
It just needed repeating.

324 ErnieG  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:15:28pm

Maybe the Somalis will think twice when they see the Stars and Stripes flying from a ship’s stern.

325 albusteve  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:15:48pm

re: #321 Desert Dog

The Captain and the entire crew displayed a fighting spirit that makes me proud to be an American. That is what we are all about.

“let’s roll” means what it says….new American lexicon

326 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:16:02pm

by the way … how freaking stupid were the pirates? after Capt. Phillips showed he was willing to jump overboard the first time, wouldn’t you think they’d have enough brains to tie his hands and/or ankles?

breathtaking stupidity along with unspeakable evil. i hope the sharks enjoy their lunch.

327 Bobblehead  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:16:45pm

re: #321 Desert Dog

The Captain and the entire crew displayed a fighting spirit that makes me proud to be an American. That is what we are all about.

Did you watch the impromptu press conference with the crew? Feisty bunch of guys.

328 auldtrafford  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:17:04pm

re: #322 proud to be an infidel

Yes; I’m a little concerned that those Pirate deaths may not have been absolutely necessary. I certainly hope they died as painlessly as possible - hope they didn’t drown; that’s a lot like waterboarding, y’know.

Well, now the Navy can go in and have a nice Easter dinner and chat over after-dinner drinks with all those nice Somalis.

Peace.

329 albusteve  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:17:13pm

re: #326 _RememberTonyC

by the way … how freaking stupid were the pirates? after Capt. Phillips showed he was willing to jump overboard the first time, wouldn’t you think they’d have enough brains to tie his hands and/or ankles?

breathtaking stupidity along with unspeakable evil. i hope the sharks enjoy their lunch.

has there been any more exact details?….I agree entirely, what were they thinking?

330 Bobblehead  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:17:50pm

re: #326 _RememberTonyC

by the way … how freaking stupid were the pirates? after Capt. Phillips showed he was willing to jump overboard the first time, wouldn’t you think they’d have enough brains to tie his hands and/or ankles?

breathtaking stupidity along with unspeakable evil. i hope the sharks enjoy their lunch.

Maybe he was and he jumped in anyway hoping to force the issue.

331 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:17:58pm

re: #327 Bobblehead
Squids have a tendency to speak their minds.

332 Edouard  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:18:04pm

re: #300 Nene1


Whoops, Where did the rest go ?

I said : Give credit where it’s due . If Obama authorised this Op, then good for him. We’re not Liberals : WE don’t say that all motives of our Political adversaries are suspect.

Obama did nothing more than any city police captain would do if his cops were involved in a hostage standoff. He authorized action should an opportunity present itself.

If you want to congratulate Obama, well OK then, but this sort of authorization would truly be a no-brainer for any president being advised by admirals, even a president with a pacifist streak.

Here, if the reports are correct, Captain Phillips jumped overboard with the Seals thereby seizing the initiative to fire at the pirates. They get all the kudos here IMO.

333 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:18:55pm

re: #329 albusteve

has there been any more exact details?….I agree entirely, what were they thinking?


hard to imagine …

334 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:18:59pm

re: #319 Catttt

But it would be awesome - a Teddy Roosevelt moment, and a turning point for President O - if he did. All Your Base Are Belong To Us.


[Video]

Indeed!

335 anchors_aweigh  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:19:24pm
“It follows than as certain as that night succeeds the day, that without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definitive, and with it, everything honorable and glorious.”

President George Washington, 15 November 1781, to Marquis de Lafayette.

As a retired Naval officer and current Merchant Marine Officer I am filled with pride by today’s events.

There is something about going to sea that forges initiative and character. I went to sea as a young fuck-up. 32 years later I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve. Semper Fortis and Semper Fi my seagoing brothers.

336 NelsFree  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:19:34pm

re: #148 redc1c4

don;t know if you can *not* fuse the 5 inch, but they should have inert practice rounds, which would be the same thing, and i know they have non-explosive 20mm ammo…. or at least they used to.


There is a practise round for 5” guns. It’s called, “Blind, Loaded, and Plugged”. (Let the puns begin!) One of those would not only go through the lifeboat, but probably split it in two. My guess is .50 cal, up close and personal, was used to suppress Pirate fire.

337 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:19:54pm

re: #326 _RememberTonyC

by the way … how freaking stupid were the pirates? after Capt. Phillips showed he was willing to jump overboard the first time, wouldn’t you think they’d have enough brains to tie his hands and/or ankles?

breathtaking stupidity along with unspeakable evil. i hope the sharks enjoy their lunch.

The BF said the same thing!

Do we know if the bodies have been recovered?

338 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:19:57pm

re: #330 Bobblehead

Maybe he was and he jumped in anyway hoping to force the issue.


if that is the case, then he is even tougher than i imagined

339 Desert Dog  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:20:17pm

re: #326 _RememberTonyC

by the way … how freaking stupid were the pirates? after Capt. Phillips showed he was willing to jump overboard the first time, wouldn’t you think they’d have enough brains to tie his hands and/or ankles?

breathtaking stupidity along with unspeakable evil. i hope the sharks enjoy their lunch.

They were probably told the crew would be passive little sheep and not to worry about them. They are not “real men” like the brave and noble pirates. They should have known most Americans do not sit there and take it for long.

These guys are not well trained and probably scared themselves…..if more crews fought back, they would not even get on the ship.

340 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:20:38pm

BBL

341 albusteve  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:20:43pm

re: #333 _RememberTonyC

hard to imagine …

so isolated they never saw American adventure movies or heard of Seals?….underestimating the US Navy is bad news

342 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:21:27pm

Totally OT - Tiger just sunk (nautical term to make it somewhat relevant) a 25 foot put for eagle.

343 avanti  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:21:38pm

Obama releases statement. happy for the safety of the captain, atta boy to the military, and call to end the piracy treat. No link yet.

344 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:21:45pm

re: #337 loppyd

The BF said the same thing!

Do we know if the bodies have been recovered?


good question …

345 albusteve  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:21:59pm

re: #342 loppyd

Totally OT - Tiger just sunk (nautical term to make it somewhat relevant) a 25 foot put for eagle.

he needs a few more and some help…alot of help

346 jwb7605  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:22:04pm

re: #331 pingjockey

Squids have a tendency to speak their minds.

You have a talent for understatement, ping!

347 Bobblehead  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:23:00pm

re: #338 _RememberTonyC

if that is the case, then he is even tougher than i imagined

Well, we know he’s tough. Hope he writes a book. He is the embodiment of the great American character and spirit! He and the Seals deserve the credit.

348 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:23:27pm

re: #342 loppyd

Totally OT - Tiger just sunk (nautical term to make it somewhat relevant) a 25 foot put for eagle.

saw that … but celtics/cavs is on at 3:30 on ABC … I guess the remote control is gonna get a workout today!

349 Bobblehead  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:24:03pm

re: #342 loppyd

Totally OT - Tiger just sunk (nautical term to make it somewhat relevant) a 25 foot put for eagle.

Masters of the golf course..

350 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:24:25pm

re: #348 _RememberTonyC

saw that … but celtics/cavs is on at 3:30 on ABC … I guess the remote control is gonna get a workout today!

I couldn’t pry the remote out of the BF’s hands right now without a struggle. lol

351 Bobblehead  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:24:39pm

re: #348 _RememberTonyC

saw that … but celtics/cavs is on at 3:30 on ABC … I guess the remote control is gonna get a workout today!

Masters of the basketball court.

352 albusteve  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:24:43pm

re: #347 Bobblehead

Well, we know he’s tough. Hope he writes a book. He is the embodiment of the great American character and spirit! He and the Seals deserve the credit.

I’d say at least he will be debt free and maybe even have some issues with privacy…the guy is golden now…his life is forever changed now

353 The Other Les  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:24:55pm

Not everyone should be a pirate.

Youtube Video
354 DEZes  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:25:16pm

re: #326 _RememberTonyC

About this stupid.

355 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:25:19pm

re: #344 _RememberTonyC

good question …

I just took a quick look at the Fox and CNN sites and don’t see anything about it.

356 Lincolntf  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:25:24pm

re: #343 avanti

Now that the situation is resolved it’s safe for him to speak, eh? Quite the politician you’ve got there.

Obama crap aside, I’m thrilled to see that the Captain has been freed. I’m anticipating the full story being an interesting one.

357 Bobblehead  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:25:51pm

re: #346 jwb7605

You have a talent for understatement, ping!

Oh to be a fly on the wall when captain and crew are reunited.

358 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:26:42pm

re: #345 albusteve

he needs a few more and some help…alot of help

Kenny Perry is holding at -11

359 rhino2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:27:25pm

re: #12 Mr. In get Mr. Out

Sounds like a close to perfect rescue from my perspective.

Close indeed, if only the 4th had gone the way of the 3!

But excellent job Navy, that oughta make the next ones that get the idea of pirating an American flagged vessel think a little harder about it!

360 _RememberTonyC  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:27:40pm

re: #355 loppyd

I just took a quick look at the Fox and CNN sites and don’t see anything about it.


let em sink to the bottom of the ocean … it’s not like we need to determine the cause of death …

361 jwb7605  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:28:26pm

re: #357 Bobblehead

Oh to be a fly on the wall when captain and crew are reunited.

Absolutely!
If the company keeps the crew intact, God have mercy for any pirates in the future. That will be the civilian equivalent of a SEAL team.

362 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:28:48pm

re: #357 Bobblehead

Oh to be a fly on the wall when captain and crew are reunited.



They are fired up on the Maersk Alabama.


Maersk Line Limited President and CEO John Reinhart said in a news release that the U.S. government informed the company around 1:30 p.m. Sunday that Phillips had been rescued. He was to hold a media briefing later Sunday.

Reinhart said the company called Phillips’ wife, Andrea, to tell her the news. He said the crew of the Maersk Alabama was “jubilant” when they received word that Phillips was safe.

They placed an American flag over the rail of the top of the Maersk Alabama and whistled and pumped their fists in the air. Crew fired a bright red flare into the sky from the ship.

363 albusteve  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:29:09pm

re: #358 loppyd

Kenny Perry is holding at -11

Woods has only made up one stroke today after eight holes….not good enough

364 abu_garcia  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:29:44pm

Is it just me, or does it smell a little bit that the Obamassiah waited until Cpt. Phillips was moved to the Boxer to make a brief statement so that he could say that he was glad the Cpt was “safe on the Boxer”. Politicians stink in general, but this one has a little something extra.

365 albusteve  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:29:53pm

re: #359 rhino2

Close indeed, if only the 4th had gone the way of the 3!

But excellent job Navy, that oughta make the next ones that get the idea of pirating an American flagged vessel think a little harder about it!

leave one to sing…I’d say it’s perfect

366 opnion  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:30:34pm

re: #313 avanti

Mainly, talk, wait, keep the captain alive and jump at the first opportunity. A better plan then going in guns blazing as suggested earlier IMHO.

Nobody could have thought that the pirate yoots would be so stupid.
It worked out great, but this could not have been the plan.
We know that they are despicble human beings, but this stupid?

367 Bob Dillon  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:30:40pm

re: #326 _RememberTonyC

by the way … how freaking stupid were the pirates? after Capt. Phillips showed he was willing to jump overboard the first time, wouldn’t you think they’d have enough brains to tie his hands and/or ankles?

breathtaking stupidity along with unspeakable evil. i hope the sharks enjoy their lunch.

From a news article:

An earlier attempt by Phillips to escape from the 28-foot covered lifeboat was thwarted by a pirate, who dove into the Indian Ocean after him. Phillips’ captors appear to have tied him up afterward, Pentagon officials said.

[Link: digg.com…]

368 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:30:47pm

Reporters talking with pirates:

“We never kill people. We are Muslims. We are marines, coastguards — not pirates,” one said.

Funny… the line just went dead.

369 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:30:49pm

re: #360 _RememberTonyC

let em sink to the bottom of the ocean … it’s not like we need to determine the cause of death …

This is true.

Waiting for reaction on the streets of Mogadishu.

370 carmen  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:30:57pm

GOD BLESS THE U.S.A!

371 Killian Bundy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:31:26pm

Report: Pirates were out of ammo, sought to trade captain

A relative of one of the pirates aboard the vessel, reached by phone in the Puntland region of Somalia, said three pirates were killed in the assault and a fourth one captured.

There was no official word from the Pentagon or from the White House, and it was unclear how involved President Barack Obama may have been in the decision to launch the raid.

The relative reached by phone said he had been in contact with one of the pirates on the lifeboat. He said the pirate reported they were out of ammunition and fuel and were getting desperate.

/that can’t be right

372 jwb7605  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:31:33pm

re: #363 albusteve

Woods has only made up one stroke today after eight holes….not good enough

My wife (a big Tiger Woods fan) remarked yesterday about how he was behind.

I asked her: “Do you have any idea how hard it must be to be that rich and that good and stay on top?”

373 FightingBack  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:31:42pm

Captain Phillips
Captain Sullenberger
Americans.
No apologies.

374 Bobblehead  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:31:59pm

Some thanks need to be made to President Bush for rebuilding our military after the Clinton downsizing. Thank you W. We haven’t forgotten the high regard you showed the military.

375 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:32:37pm

re: #374 Bobblehead

Some thanks need to be made to President Bush for rebuilding our military after the Clinton downsizing. Thank you W. We haven’t forgotten the high regard you showed the military.

I second that.

376 albusteve  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:32:37pm

re: #371 Killian Bundy

Report: Pirates were out of ammo, sought to trade captain

/that can’t be right

how could they kill the cap if the were out of ammo?….if they were why die?

377 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:33:54pm

re: #363 albusteve

Woods has only made up one stroke today after eight holes….not good enough

Phil was looking great, but is having some trouble on 9.

378 albusteve  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:34:46pm

re: #372 jwb7605

My wife (a big Tiger Woods fan) remarked yesterday about how he was behind.

I asked her: “Do you have any idea how hard it must be to be that rich and that good and stay on top?”

I think he’s too beefed up…he has not really been on a red hot tear like he was 2-3 years ago…his arms and torso are huge in comparison…just wonder…but his work ethic is legendary…he could quit anytime

379 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:34:48pm

re: #376 albusteve

how could they kill the cap if the were out of ammo?….if they were why die?

The families will play this up to make it look like we shot unarmed men.

380 FightingBack  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:34:54pm

re: #376 albusteve

Probably a lie. Makes them look like helpless targets.

381 Caton  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:35:27pm

re: #371 Killian Bundy

Report: Pirates were out of ammo, sought to trade captain

As usual, anything to belittle the military.

382 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:35:34pm

I take that back about Phil. He just got out of a heap of trouble.

383 rhino2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:35:55pm

re: #366 opnion

I suppose, I just didn’t see them as the winded type.

And even if he is, with how disjointed the whole piracy thing is, I don’t really know how much usable information you’d really get out of 1 gun.

384 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:36:06pm

re: #381 Caton

As usual, anything to belittle the military.

Natch.

385 reine.de.tout  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:36:14pm

re: #356 Lincolntf

Now that the situation is resolved it’s safe for him to speak, eh? Quite the politician you’ve got there.

Obama crap aside, I’m thrilled to see that the Captain has been freed. I’m anticipating the full story being an interesting one.

I agree with you - thrilled to see the Captain free and well, and really looking forward to the full story.

However, as much as I think the Obama administration SHOULD have said something, I think there are probably times when he is being advised to keep a low profile for whatever reason, while things are going on in the background that we don’t know about. Same thing with Bush on occasion.

That said, I don’t necessarily think that sort of advice in this situation would be good advice.

386 albusteve  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:36:38pm

379
380
how stupid do they think we are….I’m insulted!

387 Gus  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:37:09pm

Congratulations to Captain Phillips.

Congratulations are also in order for President Obama, the United State Navy, the FBI, and all those involved in this ordeal.

388 SpaceJesus  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:37:15pm

America, fuck yeah. Come to save the motherfuckin’ day yeah

389 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:37:23pm

re: #386 albusteve

379
380
how stupid do they think we are….I’m insulted!

It’s typical.

They will be martyrs.

390 FightingBack  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:37:38pm

re: #386 albusteve

Spin time.

391 landline  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:38:49pm

Innocent Somalian Activists murdered by U.S. Military

By Abdul Mahmud and Adam Shapiro, Associated Press Writers

MOMBASA, Kenya – A Zionist American vessel murdered three of the four Somalin activists who had been detaining an American ship captain for days in a lifeboat off the coast of Africa, the Israeli ship owner said.

A U.S. official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly –on orders from AIPAC- and spoke on condition of anonymity. A Pentagon spokesman also had no immediate comment out of fear of reprisals from powerful Jewish elements.

Talks to free him broke down Thursday with the captain of the USS Bainbridge talking to the activists under instruction from the Mossad. The Somali activists had simply demanded basic human rights for Palestinians and the freeing of certain political prisoners. They also requested more aid for Gaza rebuilding from the recent unprovoked Israeli military bombings. However, Israeli officials left no room for compromise insisting that the violation and rape of the historic Palestinian people continue unabated.

Additionally, three imperialist U.S. warships were ready to invade the peaceful nation of Somali –to protect Jewish interests- if the captain was not immediately freed.

___
Shapiro reported from Washington. Associated Press writers who contributed to this report include Mohamed Olad Hassan and Mohamed Sheikh Nor in Mogadishu, Somalia and Michelle Faul and Tom Maliti in Nairobi, Kenya.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.Questions or CommentsPrivacy PolicyTerms of ServiceCopyright/IP Policy

392 krypto  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:38:55pm

From what we know, we owe it to the bravery of the captain that he made a second escape attempt. That had to have been plan B for the navy - nobody could predict or count on something like that, but at best just be ready in case it happened the second time.

The question remains, what was Plan A? Was there even a plan A? Was Obama or whoever was setting policy going to just let Phillips be taken to shore and held for an even higher ransom while the pirates escaped, to the disgrace of the US Navy and the US in general, if the second escape attempt and the chance to take out the pirates hadn’t materialized?

The navy needs to figure out some better strategies for dealing with this kind of problem. Not every hijacked captain and crew are going to be like this one, and even if they are, they might not succeed as well as this crew and its captain did.

393 rhino2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:39:10pm

re: #383 rhino2

Meant to reply to #365, don’t know how I managed that.

394 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:40:37pm

CNN is reporting it was the Seals.

(CNN) — The American cargo ship captain held hostage by pirates jumped overboard Sunday from the lifeboat where he was being held, and U.S. Navy SEALs shot and killed three of his four captors, according to a senior U.S. official with knowledge of the situation.

Capt. Richard Phillips was helped out of the water off the Somali coast and is uninjured and in good condition, the official said. He was taken aboard the USS Bainbridge, a nearby naval warship, and later flown to the USS Boxer, where he was “resting comfortably,” the U.S. Navy said.

At the time of the shootings, the fourth pirate was aboard the Bainbridge negotiating with officials, the source said. That pirate was taken into custody.

Phillips was rescued at 7:19 p.m. (12:19 p.m. ET), according to the Navy.

395 David IV of Georgia  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:40:46pm

re: #368 Drained Brain

Reporters talking with pirates:

“We never kill people. We are Muslims. We are marines, coastguards — not pirates,” one said.

Funny… the line just went dead.

So their hostages are really just guests? And the ships in their harbors are just there for courtesy port calls? Why then must millions of dollars trade hands if they are not pirates? I’m willing to let the US Marine Corps sort out who is a pirate and who is a marine or coast guard in Somalia just like they did in Tripoli…

396 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:40:51pm

re: #376 albusteve

how could they kill the cap if the were out of ammo?….if they were why die?

They were bluffing then. If we called a bluff killing 3 out of 4 pirate2 holding empty weapons I don’t care. They were still holding weapons and threatening the hostage until they could somehow make it to shore. On shore they would have paraded the Captain around and laugh at the big bad Americans for being fooled. Then they demand ransom.

397 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:41:31pm

re: #391 landline

Is that real? Link?

398 landline  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:42:25pm

re: #397 loppyd

No. :)

399 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:42:44pm

re: #398 landline

No. :)

I was going to lose it.

400 Salem  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:43:04pm

The anti-war left will be discreetly supportive on this action but they must secretly worry how it could serve to estrange them from the administration and bolster their ideological foes.

401 Occasional Reader  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:43:09pm

And, to add to my three cheers above:

THREE CHEERS for the other officers and crew of the Maersk Alabama!

HIP HIP

402 FightingBack  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:43:37pm

re: #399 loppyd

I was going to lose it.

Give them time. You’ll see worse.

403 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:43:50pm

re: #401 Occasional Reader

And, to add to my three cheers above:

THREE CHEERS for the other officers and crew of the Maersk Alabama!

HIP HIP

HOOOORAY!

(This is like the wave at Fenway)

404 Occasional Reader  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:43:51pm

Whoops, company here… I hereby add two more HIP HIPs! Gotta go.

405 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:44:24pm

re: #404 Occasional Reader

Whoops, company here… I hereby add two more HIP HIPs! Gotta go.

HOOOORAY!

Enjoy…

406 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:44:26pm

re: #391 landline

Archie, slap him. That reporter.

407 M. Bensson-Levi  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:44:38pm

Hello All, Happy Easter,

I just got the news on this. First of all, thank G-d that Captain Phillips is safe. I have to say, however, that it’s a damned shame, and, in my opinion, a great mistake, to divulge any information at all about the circumstances of his rescue. It can be interpreted by the Somalis, perhaps rightly so, that these particular pirates were careless, and in the future all hostages must, and will be, securely bound.
It would have been much better if no details were given, and the Somalis were left to wonder about what happened, and fear the unknown devils in the dark.
As for any credit to Obama, the best that can be said for him is that he did not issue ROE that prevented this action. That’s about it, folks. Now, we’ll see if there’s any follow up.
I’m mighty glad that the Captain is safe, he’s a man with grit.

Again, Happy Easter to All .

408 albusteve  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:44:49pm

re: #396 Idle Drifter

They were bluffing then. If we called a bluff killing 3 out of 4 pirate2 holding empty weapons I don’t care. They were still holding weapons and threatening the hostage until they could somehow make it to shore. On shore they would have paraded the Captain around and laugh at the big bad Americans for being fooled. Then they demand ransom.

I don’t mean why kill them…if that’s what your’e saying…I don’t care even if the only had a fillet knife

409 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:45:11pm

re: #402 FightingBack

Give them time. You’ll see worse.

Fact.

410 rhino2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:45:24pm

re: #395 David IV of Georgia

Perhaps those reporters wouldn’t mind being “guests”?

/spit

411 countrygurl  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:45:41pm

re: #399 loppyd

I was going to lose it.

Had me going too. I tried to find the writer with a google search. HAHA. Very funny. Really.

412 freedombilly  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:45:53pm

This is the best news I could have possibly heard this Easter!

413 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:46:01pm

re: #408 albusteve

I don’t mean why kill them…if that’s what your’e saying…I don’t care even if the only had a fillet knife

BF is over my shoulder and that got a LOL.

414 David IV of Georgia  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:46:26pm

re: #401 Occasional Reader

And, to add to my three cheers above:

THREE CHEERS for the other officers and crew of the Maersk Alabama!

HIP HIP

Hip hip
  Hooray
Hip hip
  Hooray
Hip hip
  Hooray!

415 rhino2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:46:29pm

re: #408 albusteve

I don’t care if all they had were their bare hands, they were threating the Captain of that ship with his life, and trying to bargain with it. The means of the threat makes no difference.

416 Gus  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:47:01pm

Photo of Captain Phillips on the Bainbridge

This Sunday, April 12, 2009 photo released by the U.S. Navy, shows Maersk-Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips, right, standing alongside Cmdr. Frank Castellano, commanding officer of the USS Bainbridge, after being rescued by U.S. Naval Forces off the coast of Somalia. (AP Photo/U.S. Navy photo)

417 kynna  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:47:27pm

re: #235 Killian Bundy

/the point is nothing was happening until he jumped in the water

And he, being a smart guy, wouldn’t have jumped into the water again if the Navy hadn’t been there.

Can’t we give everyone a round of applause?

418 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:47:41pm

re: #381 Caton

As usual, anything to belittle the military.

Anyone stupid enough to point an empty weapon at man with 30 or more rounds of Rock N Roll is short for this world.

419 Gus  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:49:18pm

re: #417 kynna

And he, being a smart guy, wouldn’t have jumped into the water again if the Navy hadn’t been there.

Can’t we give everyone a round of applause?

Yes. I know many would have been quick to blame had this not evolved as it did.

420 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:49:32pm

And already the threats, conveniently included in the latest NYT article:

One pirate named Ali, in Galkaiyo, Somalia, said the American Navy rescue won’t discourage other Somali pirate groups at all.

“As long as there is no just government in Somalia, we will still be the coast guard,” he said, adding: “If we get an American, we will take revenge.”

Maybe it’s time to let the pirates find out why the “shores of Tripoli” are included in the Marines’ Hymn.

421 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:49:45pm

re: #417 kynna

And he, being a smart guy, wouldn’t have jumped into the water again if the Navy hadn’t been there.

Can’t we give everyone a round of applause?

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I am frustrated that he had to jump twice. I am led to believe that there was no order to use force a few days ago.

422 Dustyvet  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:49:53pm

re: #418 Idle Drifter

Anyone stupid enough to point an empty weapon at man with 30 or more rounds of Rock N Roll is short for this world.

Suicide by U S Navy…?

423 Killian Bundy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:51:30pm

re: #417 kynna

And he, being a smart guy, wouldn’t have jumped into the water again if the Navy hadn’t been there.

Can’t we give everyone a round of applause?

Sure, nice shooting.

/I just hope we had a plan that didn’t rely on Phillips deciding to jump overboard again

424 jcm  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:51:44pm

re: #371 Killian Bundy

Report: Pirates were out of ammo, sought to trade captain

/that can’t be right

The enemy is never out of ammo until you take it and their weapons.

425 Racer X  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:52:09pm

Captain Phillips grew tired of the dicking around with these terrorists, so he took it upon himself to jump overboard and try to swim to a nearby American vessel.

The U.S. Navy seized on this opportunity and shot dead the pirates on the small boat. Captain Phillips was immediately invited on board the Navy vessel. The remaining terrorist was immediately taken into custody and will face charges of piracy and kidnapping - both charges punishable by death.

426 countrygurl  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:52:58pm

re: #421 loppyd

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I am frustrated that he had to jump twice. I am led to believe that there was no order to use force a few days ago.


Speculation here, but it seemed to me that the first time he jumped our ships were too far away to help. True? Or just me rationalizing?

427 acwgusa  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:53:04pm

Dead Pirates!
Dead Pirates!
Down to Davey Jones Locker for YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!

428 tokyobk  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:53:14pm

I am certainly someone who would have heaped scorn on Obama if he had let this ride out or been a Jimmy Carter. If he did keep a handle on this and had something to do with it getting done the right way, then I am happy to praise him. The job got done exactly the right way and the right message was sent to the world about what happens when you take an American hostage, without any collateral damage that could mitigate the complete success. I suppose somewhere, however, there is a moonbat who feels sorry for the poor dead pirates.

429 Gus  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:53:25pm

High-Res Photo of Commander Frank Castellano and Captain Richard Phillips

Image: 090412-N-XXXXN-001.jpg
Description: Maersk-Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips, right, stands alongside Cmdr. Frank Castellano, commanding officer of USS Bainbridge (DDG 96).

090412-N-XXXXN-001 SOMALI BASIN (April 12, 2009) Maersk-Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips, right, stands alongside Cmdr. Frank Castellano, commanding officer of USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) after being rescued by U.S Naval Forces off the coast of Somalia. Philips was held hostage for four days by pirates. (Official U.S. Navy photo/RELEASED)

430 kynna  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:53:47pm

I remember when the US took out Uday and Qusay Hussein in Iraq. This was after they had approached the house and were fired upon by the brothers.

The left was appalled at our barbarism. A couple of people even tried to get me to understand by saying “what if they killed the Bush twins? Wouldn’t that be wrong?”

So. I am pleased by the encouragement the conservatives across the blogosphere have given Obama. Very different from what the left gave to Bush, even weeks after 9/11.

431 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:53:54pm

re: #425 Racer X

Somali pirate in custody, could face life sentence

WASHINGTON (AP) - A Somali pirate captured during a hostage standoff in the Indian Ocean was in military custody Sunday and could face life in a U.S. prison.

“He’s in military custody right now,” FBI spokesman John Miller said. “That will change as this becomes more of a criminal issue than a military issue.”

Both piracy and hostage-taking carry life sentences under U.S. law.

432 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:54:03pm

re: #408 albusteve

I don’t mean why kill them…if that’s what your’e saying…I don’t care even if the only had a fillet knife

I’m sorry if it seems I’m directing any hostility towards you. I was just stating that they were bluffing in hopes of making it ashore with their hostage. Now it seems that are some stories starting to float around trying to paint the US Navy and SEALS as killing men with empty weapons according to some posts on this thread.

433 Killian Bundy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:54:23pm

re: #429 Gus 802

High-Res Photo of Commander Frank Castellano and Captain Richard Phillips

/thanks, I’m so stealing that

434 jwb7605  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:54:36pm

re: #421 loppyd

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I am frustrated that he had to jump twice. I am led to believe that there was no order to use force a few days ago.

I hope you’re mistaken.
The one good thing I thought about Rumsfeld was his belief that tactical decisions should be allowed to become “localized” down below the top levels.
I “have it on good authority” (discussions with some vets of Operation Iraqi Freedom) that that theory had actually been implemented to some degree, and was ‘helpful’.

If what you posted is true, that philosophy is gone.
Which might be due to the Fallujah incidents, etc.

435 Gus  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:55:33pm

re: #433 Killian Bundy

/thanks, I’m so stealing that

Right. Phillips looks like he just came back from a run. :)

I think he deserves a parade upon his return.

436 Dustyvet  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:55:58pm

re: #391 landline

Innocent Somalian Activists murdered by U.S. Military

By Abdul Mahmud and Adam Shapiro, Associated Press Writers

MOMBASA, Kenya – A Zionist American vessel murdered three of the four Somalin activists who had been detaining an American ship captain for days in a lifeboat off the coast of Africa, the Israeli ship owner said.

A U.S. official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly –on orders from AIPAC- and spoke on condition of anonymity. A Pentagon spokesman also had no immediate comment out of fear of reprisals from powerful Jewish elements.

Talks to free him broke down Thursday with the captain of the USS Bainbridge talking to the activists under instruction from the Mossad. The Somali activists had simply demanded basic human rights for Palestinians and the freeing of certain political prisoners. They also requested more aid for Gaza rebuilding from the recent unprovoked Israeli military bombings. However, Israeli officials left no room for compromise insisting that the violation and rape of the historic Palestinian people continue unabated.

Additionally, three imperialist U.S. warships were ready to invade the peaceful nation of Somali –to protect Jewish interests- if the captain was not immediately freed.

___
Shapiro reported from Washington. Associated Press writers who contributed to this report include Mohamed Olad Hassan and Mohamed Sheikh Nor in Mogadishu, Somalia and Michelle Faul and Tom Maliti in Nairobi, Kenya.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.Questions or CommentsPrivacy PolicyTerms of ServiceCopyright/IP Policy

Brake out the world’s smallest violin…

/spit*

437 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:56:00pm

re: #422 Dustyvet

Suicide by U S Navy…?

That’s a new one.

438 Racer X  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:56:07pm

re: #431 loppyd

I was being facetious.

I hope this does not turn into the OJ trial.

439 kynna  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:56:14pm

re: #421 loppyd

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I am frustrated that he had to jump twice. I am led to believe that there was no order to use force a few days ago.

It seems to me that they were in place, looking for their chance. He gave them their chance, but they’d have found one eventually. The pirates probably wouldn’t have killed him because he was the only thing keeping them alive, but they were probably making darn sure that, if a surge had been attempted the military would kill their prize along with their target.

440 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:56:15pm

re: #426 countrygurl

Speculation here, but it seemed to me that the first time he jumped our ships were too far away to help. True? Or just me rationalizing?

I think our ship was close enough to report seeing him jump so I would think they could have lit up that lifeboat like the fourth of July.

But I wasn’t there.

441 countrygurl  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:57:07pm

re: #432 Idle Drifter

Now it seems that are some stories starting to float around trying to paint the US Navy and SEALS as killing men with empty weapons according to some posts on this thread.


I don’t care if their guns were empty. All the better for our guys and maybe they’ll think twice before capturing Americans again. Now, if only the rest of the world would grow a spine.

442 Dustyvet  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:57:35pm

re: #437 Idle Drifter

That’s a new one.

Based on suicide by cop…

443 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:57:41pm

re: #440 loppyd

I think our ship was close enough to report seeing him jump so I would think they could have lit up that lifeboat like the fourth of July.

Fourth of July - I love that simile!

I’m ready to shoot some bottlerockets off in my own front yard.

444 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:57:48pm

re: #436 Dustyvet

Brake out the world’s smallest violin…

/spit*

I don’t think they make ‘em that small.

445 David IV of Georgia  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:58:03pm

re: #428 tokyobk

This was the best outcome I could have hoped for. The SEALs, the Navy, the CinC all have done their duty well this day.

446 rhino2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:59:11pm

re: #420 Drained Brain

From that article:

Together they (John Adams and Thomas Jefferson —ed) called upon Ambassador Abdrahaman, the envoy of Tripoli in London, in March 1786. This dignitary mentioned a tariff of three payments—for the ransom of slaves and hostages, for cheap terms of temporary peace and for more costly terms of “perpetual peace.” He did not forget to add his own commission as a percentage. Adams and Jefferson asked to know by what right he was exacting these levies. The U.S. had never menaced or quarreled with any of the Muslim powers. As Jefferson later reported to the State Department and Congress, “The Ambassador answered us that it was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as Prisoners.”

I wonder if that was somehow Bush’s fault…(muslim hate towards the West)

/

447 albusteve  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 12:59:19pm

re: #432 Idle Drifter

I’m sorry if it seems I’m directing any hostility towards you. I was just stating that they were bluffing in hopes of making it ashore with their hostage. Now it seems that are some stories starting to float around trying to paint the US Navy and SEALS as killing men with empty weapons according to some posts on this thread.

it didn’t….sometimes it’s hard to decide exactly what someone is saying but let me be clear…the MSM is my dire enemy

448 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:00:40pm

re: #441 countrygurl

I don’t care if their guns were empty. All the better for our guys and maybe they’ll think twice before capturing Americans again. Now, if only the rest of the world would grow a spine.

See my #418.

449 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:00:57pm

FOX

Pentagon Official to Speak on Rescue of Captain Richard Phillips: Watch Live

(link not active yet)

450 hous bin pharteen  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:01:50pm

UPDATE: (If not mentioned before)
“When you mess with the best, you die like the rest” (Ranger talk, but it proves true with the SEALs. I guess they did not learn it after messing with the Rangers before)

[Link: www.breitbart.com…]

451 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:03:51pm

re: #446 rhino2

From that article:


I wonder if that was somehow Bush’s fault…(muslim hate towards the West)

/

Undoubtedly, replying with equal sarcasm.

Notice how the pirate quoted in the NYT article identifies himself as “Muslim,” not as “Somali.” We may not be “at war with Islam” - both the current and former President have made that clear - but “some” of its adherents have been at war with us for quite a few hundred years.

452 nyc redneck  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:04:47pm

i’m so proud of my country.
i am so proud to be an american.
what a great day for courage and not going wobbly.
what a great example our brave military sets for the world.
and the fearless captain, a true hero.

453 Dustyvet  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:05:01pm

The Navy Hymn


Youtube Video
454 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:05:55pm

re: #447 albusteve

it didn’t….sometimes it’s hard to decide exactly what someone is saying but let me be clear…the MSM is my dire enemy

Agreed. MSM can’t be trusted to give an objective report and they love to sprinkle drama into a story.

455 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:06:06pm

BBIAB

456 razorbacker  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:08:24pm

In light of this consumation that was so devoutly wished, I will say simply,

“Bless you, Captain Phillips for putting your life on the line to save your ship and crew. You stand as a stalwart example of what leadership acts like. And bless all the many people, both known and unknown, who risked their lives to bring this man to safety.”

457 countrygurl  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:08:27pm

re: #455 loppyd

BBIAB

What does this mean?

458 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:09:10pm

re: #424 jcm

The enemy is never out of ammo until you take it and their weapons.

I just sent a hot comment to the two reporters at the MH—take a look at the bylines, by the way. The surnames sure aren’t Scot-Irish.

459 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:09:19pm

re: #457 countrygurl

What does this mean?

be back in a bit

I’m back!

460 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:09:27pm

re: #457 countrygurl

I think it means Be Back In A Bit.

461 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:09:48pm

re: #459 loppyd

You beat me.

462 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:10:43pm

re: #391 landline

I am SPEECHLESS with fury. The AP?

463 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:10:51pm

re: #461 Idle Drifter

You beat me.

:~)

Now I’m BBL

This is shaping up to be an epic Masters.

464 countrygurl  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:11:25pm

re: #459 loppyd
oh, I thought it was some military abbreviation for search and destroy mission (or something like that). I’m just giddy that we got our captain back!

465 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:12:30pm

re: #462 katemaclaren

I am SPEECHLESS with fury. The AP?

I think it’s satire. Oh God, please let it me satire! The fact that we’re even discussing this says volumes about AP and the MSM.

466 countrygurl  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:12:53pm
462 katemaclaren
4/12/09 1:10:43 pm reply quote 0downupfavoritereport
re: #391 landline
I am SPEECHLESS with fury. The AP?

it’s called sarcasm

467 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:12:57pm

re: #464 countrygurl

oh, I thought it was some military abbreviation for search and destroy mission (or something like that). I’m just giddy that we got our captain back!

Me too!

Now I’m going to watch Phil and Tiger battle.

Have a wonderful afternoon and Happy Easter to all.

468 countrygurl  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:13:18pm

no wait, satire, that’s it!

469 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:13:22pm

re: #391 landline
That is from the Onion…right?

470 jwb7605  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:13:44pm

re: #321 Desert Dog

The Captain and the entire crew displayed a fighting spirit that makes me proud to be an American. That is what we are all about.

as I said in #323, no comment. It needs to be repeated.

471 opnion  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:15:25pm

re: #441 countrygurl

I don’t care if their guns were empty. All the better for our guys and maybe they’ll think twice before capturing Americans again. Now, if only the rest of the world would grow a spine.

Unless the Pirates clearly threw their weapons overboard & raised their hands our guys would assume that the were armed. Even then it could be a ruse & They got what they had coming anyway.

472 nyc redneck  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:16:04pm

re: #459 loppyd

be back in a bit

I’m back!

{loppyd}
i tried to plus you and hit the ding down button.
i’m sorry. i’m doing too many things at once and then there’s the pure
unadulterated euphoria abt. the captain being freed, i’m delirious.
can some one ding loppyd up?

473 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:16:17pm

re: #20 Desert Dog

So, now what will the USA do about this problem? There is still the tugboat that was taken yesterday, and there are other vessels still being held. We should act now and end this nonsense. If Obama tries to get some consensus or get the UN or other countries to join in, it will not work. We need to put the hammer down on these scumbag and put it down HARD

It’s a happy end to the immediate situation. I agree that the real problem now needs to be addressed.

As I’ve said for the last couple of days, it looks as though that may be imminent. There have been helicopter overflights of pirate facilities onshore since at least yesterday, and other Naval resources have been mobilized far beyond what is necessary to secure an unpowered lifeboat. One has to ask what they’re doing, if not intending further action.

Seeking consensus is a necessary first step that has probably already been taken; I doubt it will be difficult to come by. Proceeding without it, however, doesn’t have much downside in this case.

The relative reached by phone said he had been in contact with one of the pirates on the lifeboat. He said the pirate reported they were out of ammunition and fuel and were getting desperate.

Too bad they didn’t mention that to someone besides a relative onshore - like the Navy. Someone ought to get busy recalculating the Piracy Risk/Reward tables.

That’s wrong. Don’t let him wait and suffer, hang him already! [in reference to the remaining pirate, now a prisoner]

The Rule of Law is central to Conservatism. Actually, it’s central to the very existence of of a free, rational, self-governing society. He gets his day in court, and the court decides his punishment.

By the way - does anyone know whose jurisdiction this falls under? International water, as far as I know; American citizen; situation under Naval control; I’m thinking the US gets first crack at him, but I’m not certain.

474 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:16:20pm

Pentagon briefing now.

475 Dustyvet  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:16:21pm

re: #467 loppyd

Me too!

Now I’m going to watch Phil and Tiger battle.

Have a wonderful afternoon and Happy Easter to all.

My Tiger just swatted one of his eggs into the bathroom, then I heard a splash…The little sod made a commode in one…:)

476 countrygurl  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:16:35pm
pingjockey
4/12/09 1:13:22 pm reply quote 0downupfavoritereport
re: #391 landline
That is from the Onion…right?

Landline had a real “gotcha” moment today! I wasn’t sure whether to ding up for being amused or ding down cause he had me goin!

477 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:17:45pm

re: #476 countrygurl
It is a sad state that we actually wouldn’t be surprised if the msm did an article like this.

478 rhino2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:18:23pm

re: #472 nyc redneck

{loppyd}
i tried to plus you and hit the ding down button.
i’m sorry. i’m doing too many things at once and then there’s the pure
unadulterated euphoria abt. the captain being freed, i’m delirious.
can some one ding loppyd up?

You can actually change it now - just press the upding button once to bring it back to neutral, then again to upding it.

479 countrygurl  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:18:32pm

re: #472 nyc redneck

I dinged him up for ya

480 hous bin pharteen  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:19:21pm

re: #462 katemaclaren

It does not surprise me at all. In college, having a short hair cut, like a crew cut, having muscles, and a manly attitude, we were hated by leftist idiots. Even our grades suffered from some limp d—- proffesours. There where many students that where interested in news reporting and such like. This was from a Big 10 college.

481 pink freud  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:20:58pm

re: #472 nyc redneck

You can reverse your ding, nyc.

482 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:21:28pm

I hope y’all are watching this briefing. The al-Reuters puke was concerned about the dead pirates.

483 Salem  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:21:30pm

Oh jeez. The idiots in this press conference are concerned that the shooting of the pirates was unjustified.

484 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:21:53pm

re: #483 Salem

Oh jeez. The idiots in this press conference are concerned that the shooting of the pirates was unjustified.

Just as we predicted.

485 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:21:59pm

going on NOW
FOX NEWS CONFERENCE WITH THE NAVY. NPR reporter is a JERK!

486 rhino2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:22:26pm

re: #483 Salem

Oh jeez. The idiots in this press conference are concerned that the shooting of the pirates was unjustified.

The very second they stepped foot onto the boat days ago shooting was justified.

487 Salem  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:22:29pm

Revolting.

488 pink freud  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:22:29pm

re: #483 Salem

Oh jeez. The idiots in this press conference are concerned that the shooting of the pirates was unjustified.

What you are looking at in those seats at that press conference is the enemy.

489 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:22:39pm

re: #426 countrygurl

Speculation here, but it seemed to me that the first time he jumped our ships were too far away to help. True? Or just me rationalizing?

The first time, it was around midnight; word is that the distance was several hundred yards. This time it was around 7:00 pm, no word on distance; I would imagine that the Bainbridge had allowed itself to “drift” closer during that time.

490 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:23:00pm

re: #472 nyc redneck

{loppyd}
i tried to plus you and hit the ding down button.
i’m sorry. i’m doing too many things at once and then there’s the pure
unadulterated euphoria abt. the captain being freed, i’m delirious.
can some one ding loppyd up?

It’s ok!

I’m a spaz all of the time - euphoria or not.

491 countrygurl  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:24:01pm
483 Salem
4/12/09 1:21:30 pm reply quote 0downupfavoritereport
Oh jeez. The idiots in this press conference are concerned that the shooting of the pirates was unjustified.

lord god almighty……..what is it gonna take for people to realize you have to stand up and fight for your freedoms and your rights? Is there a clearer picture somewhere than what just happened to Captain Phillips?

492 razorbacker  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:24:45pm

The horror. Oh, the horror.

To resort to firearms to rescue a running dog lackey of the Imperialistic Jingo American oppressors.

Just continuing the cycle of violence.

The horror.

/*the hell with it. You figure it out.*

493 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:25:05pm

re: #462 katemaclaren

I am SPEECHLESS with fury. The AP?

Relax. It’s a joke.

494 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:25:34pm

re: #482 pingjockey

I hope y’all are watching this briefing. The al-Reuters puke was concerned about the dead pirates.

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! The NPR reporter had his sunglasses on top of his head (although I do this)—on him it looks like a dipshit ah

…oh now, it’s NBC

495 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:26:29pm

re: #494 katemaclaren
Yep, she’s blaming the navy for not being there to help the ship. It’s over 1 million square miles!

496 Killian Bundy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:26:36pm

UPDATE: How the Navy Rescued Cpt. Phillips

NBC News is reporting that three pirates simultaneously popped their heads out of their lifeboat and were taken out by Navy sharpshooters from the U.S.S. Bainbridge.

The surviving pirate had jumped ship and surrendered a few hours earlier. The Navy had surreptitiously attached a tow line to the craft to keep it from drifting to the Somali shore, and the pirates apparently looked outside in order to investigate.

/sneaky bastards

497 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:27:15pm

re: #493 SixDegrees

Relax. It’s a joke.

Thanks…(calms down)—I was just flipping through quickly and that leapt out.

Thanks everyone. I will now —whew—let the steam dissipate.

498 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:27:26pm

re: #496 Killian Bundy
Fair fight means we win, bad guys dead.

499 Sheepdogess  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:27:34pm

re: #472 nyc redneck

{loppyd}
i tried to plus you and hit the ding down button.
i’m sorry. i’m doing too many things at once and then there’s the pure
unadulterated euphoria abt. the captain being freed, i’m delirious.
can some one ding loppyd up?

You can undo it. Just hit the plus and voila! It’s gone!

500 rhino2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:28:31pm

re: #496 Killian Bundy

Oh to have been a Navy sharpshooter today

501 countrygurl  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:28:34pm

re: #496 Killian Bundy

UPDATE: How the Navy Rescued Cpt. Phillips
/sneaky bastards

Love those SEALS! Sneaky bastards is right! Our tax money at work!

502 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:29:03pm

Direct orders from the Prez. Our hero.

503 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:29:22pm

re: #485 katemaclaren

going on NOW
FOX NEWS CONFERENCE WITH THE NAVY. NPR reporter is a JERK!

Interesting. I wonder how long it will be before they start working to undermine the Obama Administration.

Earlier today, an Administration flak mentioned that we can probably get all troops out of Iraq by “late 2011,” another rollback of the pullout date well beyond the next election, and just weeks before the end of Obama’s term.

It isn’t surprising to see that NPR has it’s hackles up. In their eyes, Obama is slowly morphing into George Bush, Term 3.

Heh.

504 Sailordude99  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:29:37pm

Way to go SEALS…..I hope the pirates aka Terrorists are on notice. Gosh, I can hardly wait to get off shore duty and back to the action!

505 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:30:24pm

Good! clarification—Prez not on the phone with the Bainbridge Captain—Fire away, boys.
Navy careful in these treacherous waters!

506 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:30:50pm

re: #504 Sailordude99

BE careful!

507 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:31:42pm

re: #505 katemaclaren
Sounds like the Pentagon gave the CO decent rules of engagement. Left it up to the on scene commander.

508 Salem  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:32:49pm

re: #496 Killian Bundy

UPDATE: How the Navy Rescued Cpt. Phillips

/sneaky bastards

Not mentioned in the Defense Department briefing. They said the boat drifting further toward shore obliged them to act. And the press maggots are parsing “imminent danger”, now.

509 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:32:57pm

re: #503 SixDegrees

heh II

510 rhino2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:33:04pm

re: #507 pingjockey

Sounds like the ROE were what they should have been: “If you see em, shoot em”.

511 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:33:56pm

re: #504 Sailordude99

Way to go SEALS…..I hope the pirates aka Terrorists are on notice. Gosh, I can hardly wait to get off shore duty and back to the action!

Shore duty is where the next action will likely be. There appears to be too much Naval activity in the area, including onshore surveillance operations, than would be required by four thugs in a lifeboat.

512 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:34:02pm

re: #510 rhino2
They(Pentagon) left it up to the on scene commander.

513 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:34:37pm

Interesting description of the lifeboat.

514 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:35:15pm

Jerk from NPR speaking again.

515 Sheepdogess  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:35:18pm

re: #502 katemaclaren

The Navy, the SEALS and the Hostage are the heroes. The Prez was just doing his job on safe ground.

516 rhino2  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:35:23pm

re: #512 pingjockey

Just as good imo.

517 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:37:02pm

re: #516 rhino2
Yep, that’s decent ROEs. That is also outstanding shooting. you are moving in 3 directions and the target is moving in 3 directions.

518 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:37:03pm

re: #515 Sheepdogess

The Navy, the SEALS and the Hostage are the heroes. The Prez was just doing his job on safe ground.

I should have used the sarc tag!

519 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:37:55pm

re: #512 pingjockey

They(Pentagon) left it up to the on scene commander.

Right decision, imo.

520 Caton  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:38:36pm

re: #515 Sheepdogess

The Prez was just doing his job on safe ground.

Actually, my opinion of the guy just went up one notch. I didn’t expect him to let the Navy do its job.

521 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:38:42pm

re: #515 Sheepdogess

The Navy, the SEALS and the Hostage are the heroes. The Prez was just doing his job on safe ground.

I think the President handled this situation well, although it remains to be seen what will happen next. And what happens next is crucial to the long-term safety of the region; see my first post, above.

I’ll suspend judgment on that outcome until it arrives.

522 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:38:52pm

re: #508 Salem

Not mentioned in the Defense Department briefing. They said the boat drifting further toward shore obliged them to act. And the press maggots are parsing “imminent danger”, now.

Reporters think imminent danger is debatable.

523 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:38:58pm

re: #519 katemaclaren
Yes. Give the guy there the latitude to do their job.

524 MarineMomSue  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:39:35pm

re: #220 Sunlight

Did he jump into the water again?

the good Captain could make big bucks doing a shampoo ad…

rinse, repeat :)

525 Dr. Shalit  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:39:40pm

Question -

Assuming SEAL Snipers pulled this off. What do they use for weapons? Just curious.

-S-

526 rain of lead  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:39:44pm

The Marine Corps Hymn
(just because I like it!)

Youtube Video
527 Tumulus11  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:40:07pm

. ‘A lot of people are wondering why these huge navy warships would have trouble catching up with this tiny lifeboat.’
// Clueless AP Reporter.

528 itellu3times  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:40:10pm

re: #496 Killian Bundy

UPDATE: How the Navy Rescued Cpt. Phillips

NBC News is reporting that three pirates simultaneously popped their heads out of their lifeboat and were taken out by Navy sharpshooters from the U.S.S. Bainbridge.

Ship to ship at some distance, either that’s some sharpshooting, or maybe they don’t want to tell us exactly how it was really done.

529 Killian Bundy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:41:21pm

Bainbridge was towing the lifeboat.

/confirmed

530 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:41:42pm

re: #525 Dr. Shalit
Depends. You have your personal, favorite weapon. At 30 meters you wouldn’t need a long range sniper rifle.

531 Canoe Train  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:42:53pm

re: #4 Wishing

While I have never been in the Service, I think the term is “Bravo Zulu.” This is a good outcome. Outstanding, Bainbridge and USN !

532 pink freud  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:43:40pm

re: #521 SixDegrees

I think the President handled this situation well, although it remains to be seen what will happen next. And what happens next is crucial to the long-term safety of the region; see my first post, above.

I’ll suspend judgment on that outcome until it arrives.

What will happen next is several days of the MSM slobbering all over themselves to praise Dear Leader (while at the same time making sure to keep Teh First Pup story front and center). There will no firm statement from the WH one way or another as to how situations like this will be handled in the future (at least none that they can be held to account for) ….it will be wishy washy, if at all.

533 Dr. Shalit  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:43:59pm

re: #530 pingjockey

Depends. You have your personal, favorite weapon. At 30 meters you wouldn’t need a long range sniper rifle.

ping -

A rough 30 M with a good scope - Duck Soup for a good sniper on dry land, at sea, not so sure.

-S-

534 anchors_aweigh  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:44:42pm

Watching the Press Conference. One thing stands out.

The on-scene commander (I presume the CO of the Bainbridge) used his authority under the Standing Rules of Engagement (SROE) to effect the rescue.

There was no order from Obama. There was not even an order from CENTCOM, 5th Fleet (COMUSNACENT), DESRON 50, or anyone in the chain-of-command above the on-scene commander.

Wow. THAT TOOK BALLS.

535 tokyobk  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:44:46pm

The NPR kept asking how they knew it was imminent danger as if it would not have been imminent danger if, say, he were in the boat.

536 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:45:04pm

re: #525 Dr. Shalit

Question -

Assuming SEAL Snipers pulled this off. What do they use for weapons? Just curious.

-S-

Navy SEALS Snipers

537 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:45:29pm

re: #533 Dr. Shalit
You have to see the SEALS shoot to believe it.

538 itellu3times  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:45:34pm

re: #534 anchors_aweigh

Watching the Press Conference. One thing stands out.

The on-scene commander (I presume the CO of the Bainbridge) used his authority under the Standing Rules of Engagement (SROE) to effect the rescue.

There was no order from Obama. There was not even an order from CENTCOM, 5th Fleet (COMUSNACENT), DESRON 50, or anyone in the chain-of-command above the on-scene commander.

Wow. THAT TOOK BALLS.

Well then, was Obama in the loop, or not?

539 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:46:25pm

Are you guys listening to the NPR reporter at this news conference?
Sounds like an interrogation.

540 Pigtown Water Dog  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:46:28pm

re: #472 nyc redneck

I knew you didn’t mean it.

541 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:46:30pm

re: #534 anchors_aweigh
Well ya don’t get command of a DDG by being a wuss!

542 pittboy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:46:45pm

Best news I’ve read in weeks. Thanks Charles, for posting this on Sunday while I’m busy also watching golf.

543 Shr_Nfr  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:46:59pm

re: #293 Pickles

What you say is true and thankfully it ended well. 3 servings of hamburger and one to transport to trial by being bound at the neck and hung off the yardarm. But I do not think Obama did much more than just say to the next guy down the line to use their judgment. His military experience is zero and his foreign policy experience has been a farce so far. I would no more go on the line with Obama at a firing range than flap my arms up and down and fly to the moon. If it had ended badly, it would have depended on the circumstances under which it ended. I am not getting on France’s case (for once) because they had a hostage die in the rescue attempt they just did. Collateral damage is to be avoided when ever you can. But the most important part is what does he do next? In so many words this is an issue of a writ of marquee against American shipping by the Government of Somalia. It is now our responsibility to respond in a proportionate fashion and reduce these pirate havens to small pieces of masonry. Until we do, this will be a repeated theme. Thankfully everything worked out this time. Its the next time that I am concerned about. Rest assured that without a sufficiently negative utility function for these pirates, there will be a next time. The test of the mettle of the president is hardly over. Indeed, it has only begun. To date I have no reason to be optimistic on the topic.

544 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:47:10pm

re: #538 itellu3times

yeah. Inquiring minds want to know.

545 solomonpanting  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:47:37pm

Idiot NPR reporter thinks negotiations would have seen Phillips freed in exchange for pirate freedom.

546 landline  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:48:03pm

re: #476 countrygurl

547 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:48:53pm

re: #546 landline

Good Satire.

548 Caton  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:49:14pm

re: #543 Shr_Nfr

I do not think Obama did much more than just say to the next guy down the line to use their judgment.

That would show a confidence in the military I do not expect from O.

549 itellu3times  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:49:30pm

re: #544 katemaclaren

yeah. Inquiring minds want to know.

And if the CO took action on his own initiative, I want to see Obama’s reaction.

550 Killian Bundy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:49:43pm

Now they’re saying that Phillips was tied up in the lifeboat and didn’t jump overboard.

/makes the call on the triple sniper shot even more gutsy

551 anchors_aweigh  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:50:08pm

re: #538 itellu3times

The decision to fire was a local decision by the on-scene commander. Again, I presume that was the CO of the Bainbridge.

SROE

The rescue was not a “planned”op.

552 itellu3times  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:50:18pm

re: #550 Killian Bundy

48 hour rule.

553 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:50:20pm

re: #549 itellu3times
The WH already issued a press release.

554 [deleted]  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:52:00pm
555 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:52:02pm

re: #532 pink freud

What will happen next is several days of the MSM slobbering all over themselves to praise Dear Leader (while at the same time making sure to keep Teh First Pup story front and center). There will no firm statement from the WH one way or another as to how situations like this will be handled in the future (at least none that they can be held to account for) ….it will be wishy washy, if at all.

Time will tell. At the moment, the press isn’t sounding at all happy with developments - the military doing something good and decent seems to have stirred up the usual hornet’s nest of wailing and gnashing of teeth. And see my comment, above, regarding today’s announcement that troops will remain in Iraq until late 2011. Their hair-pulling and garment-rending doesn’t seem to have spilled over onto the Administration yet, but things could start getting interesting in that regard.

556 itellu3times  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:52:35pm

re: #553 pingjockey

The WH already issued a press release.

You mean this?

“I share the country’s admiration for the bravery of Captain Phillips and his selfless concern for his crew. His courage is a model for all Americans,” Obama said.

“I am also very proud of the efforts of the U.S. military and many other departments and agencies who worked tirelessly to secure Capt. Phillips’s safe recovery.”

557 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:52:55pm

re: #552 itellu3times

48 hour rule.

Good advice.

558 Dr. Shalit  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:53:12pm

re: #536 Idle Drifter

Navy SEALS Snipers

Thanks - Looks like they use either .30 or .50 caliber weapons.

-S-

559 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:53:13pm

re: #556 itellu3times
I think that’s it.

560 itellu3times  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:54:11pm

re: #559 pingjockey

I think that’s it.

I expect we will hear the commander’s name, at some point, and that’s when it will get interesting, one way or the other.

561 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:55:24pm

Re Commander-in-Chief Obama: He allegedly gave approval twice, once on Friday and once on Saturday.

This sounds suspiciously like micro-management to me.

562 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:55:32pm

re: #560 itellu3times
Costellano, IIRC…probably misspelled it.

563 landline  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:56:32pm

re: #476 countrygurl

Sorry. :)

It was so over the top anti-Semitic I figured ya’ll would catch it immediately.

564 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:56:34pm

re: #388 SpaceJesus

America, fuck yeah. Come to save the motherfuckin’ day yeah

How old are you spacejesus? 15?

565 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:56:37pm

re: #554 metronil

I don’t like this administration but that would be political suicide. What you are stating is ridiculous and you’re trolling.

566 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:56:40pm

re: #561 Drained Brain
Not according to the Admiral from CENTCOM. the use of deadly force was left up to the on scene Commander.

567 pink freud  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:57:01pm

re: #562 pingjockey

Costellano, IIRC…probably misspelled it.

He is the guy in the released picture, smiling ear to ear with Phillips.

568 itellu3times  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:57:25pm

re: #561 Drained Brain

Re Commander-in-Chief Obama: He allegedly gave approval twice, once on Friday and once on Saturday.

This sounds suspiciously like micro-management to me.

Well, but who knows what that means. “Approval” was to send the ships, which then circled around for two days, or “approval” to close the deal?

569 mattm  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:57:27pm
The official said three pirates were killed and one was injured.

Awwwww. So sad. Not.

570 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:57:34pm

re: #567 pink freud
Yep. CO of the Bainbridge.

571 Bluto8  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:57:41pm

re: #391 landline
I love this one, DeNiro on SNL!

FLV Video
572 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:58:05pm

re: #563 landline

Sorry. :)

It was so over the top anti-Semitic I figured ya’ll would catch it immediately.

sure fooled the heck out of ME! LOL. Still, I can see a story just like this appearing—and some (say living in Nancy Pelosi’s district) applauding.

573 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:58:11pm

re: #543 Shr_Nfr

What you say is true and thankfully it ended well. 3 servings of hamburger and one to transport to trial by being bound at the neck and hung off the yardarm. But I do not think Obama did much more than just say to the next guy down the line to use their judgment. His military experience is zero and his foreign policy experience has been a farce so far. I would no more go on the line with Obama at a firing range than flap my arms up and down and fly to the moon. If it had ended badly, it would have depended on the circumstances under which it ended. I am not getting on France’s case (for once) because they had a hostage die in the rescue attempt they just did. Collateral damage is to be avoided when ever you can. But the most important part is what does he do next? In so many words this is an issue of a writ of marquee against American shipping by the Government of Somalia. It is now our responsibility to respond in a proportionate fashion and reduce these pirate havens to small pieces of masonry. Until we do, this will be a repeated theme. Thankfully everything worked out this time. Its the next time that I am concerned about. Rest assured that without a sufficiently negative utility function for these pirates, there will be a next time. The test of the mettle of the president is hardly over. Indeed, it has only begun. To date I have no reason to be optimistic on the topic.

There is no “Government of Somalia.” It collapsed completely last year, and the region is now run as a complete anarchy. That’s the problem.

I agree that the real test is how these brigands are dealt with. And unfortunately, while the military will be useful in the short term, a long-term solution aimed at restoring order to the region is what’s needed, and will require an international consensus to achieve. It’s hard to see the US or the rest of the world embarking on a nation-building exercise at the moment.

574 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:58:43pm

re: #566 pingjockey

Not according to the Admiral from CENTCOM. the use of deadly force was left up to the on scene Commander.

I agree since I watched the press conference too. Another “unnamed” MSM source? Any truth? I don’t know. I do think a reporter could write such a piece thinking he was giving great credit to Obama for being such a pro-active and hands-on leader.

575 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:59:52pm

re: #574 Drained Brain
Oh, okay. I wouldn’t put it past the msm.

576 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 1:59:58pm

re: #558 Dr. Shalit

Thanks - Looks like they use either .30 or .50 caliber weapons.

-S-

Snipers tend to use mission oriented weapons with some preferences towards bolt action or semiautomatic. As long as the bad guys go down that’s all that matters.

577 Shr_Nfr  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:00:15pm

re: #528 itellu3times

Given the caliber of the SEALS, I dare say they are pretty good at it. Please remember that the British sharpshooters in Afghanistan are able to take out people at the distance of a mile. Granted that is the one shot one kill sort of takeout, and I suspect these guys used full auto to lay down the incoming rounds, but they are good. My greatest respect for them.

578 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:01:24pm

re: #568 itellu3times

Well, but who knows what that means. “Approval” was to send the ships, which then circled around for two days, or “approval” to close the deal?

It’s pretty clear what the article is claiming:

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama twice authorized the military to rescue a U.S. captain held by Somali pirates and whose life appeared to be at risk.
Officials say Obama gave the OK on Friday and Saturday to rescue Capt. Richard Phillips from a lifeboat off the Somali coast. Officials say both times the Pentagon believed Phillips’ life was at risk.

The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

579 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:01:33pm

re: #554 metronil

the obama administration and his fascists left wing lemmings in the democrat party will probably demand the captain of the Navy vessel be tried for war crimes for killing the islamic thug pedophiles.

What the heck? Are you on the right blog? I don’t think so.

580 Strike Hornet  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:02:03pm

re: #79 Desert Dog

There is some truth in that article. But, it deflects way too much away from the scumbags. These are not displaced fisherman, they are hired goons, working for a warlord. This is just the anarchy of Somalia spilling out into the ocean. They see the fat and juicy ships and so far, have been able to squeeze big money out of the owners. They made a mistake with this ship though….a crew that fought back, a Captain with courage and a Navy with lethal skills.

This is what the “world” despises about American’s….we fight back…always have, always will… :)

581 itellu3times  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:03:03pm

re: #577 Shr_Nfr

Given the caliber of the SEALS, I dare say they are pretty good at it. Please remember that the British sharpshooters in Afghanistan are able to take out people at the distance of a mile. Granted that is the one shot one kill sort of takeout, and I suspect these guys used full auto to lay down the incoming rounds, but they are good. My greatest respect for them.

Sure, but moving platform, moving target, and I presume the lifeboat was still hundreds of yards distant, at least. Three shots, three kills? Of course, it could have been thirty shooters, three kills. Could have been a lot of things.

582 Idle Drifter  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:03:44pm

re: #579 katemaclaren

Look at his profile.
Registered since: Jun 24, 2005 at 3:23 pm
No. of comments posted: 53
No. of links posted: 1

583 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:04:34pm

re: #582 Idle Drifter

Look at his profile.
Registered since: Jun 24, 2005 at 3:23 pm
No. of comments posted: 53
No. of links posted: 1

Right. I should have done that before I wasted the keystrokes. Gak.

584 Shr_Nfr  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:05:36pm

re: #573 SixDegrees

I was trying to be kind. Yes, you are correct. There is no functioning government in the country. But despite that lack the act is an act of war by the inhabitants. Just because the guys who are doing the actions are not elected as per Hugo Chavez and are modeling themselves on the example of the petty thief and warlord Mohammed, is no reason not to take action on the territory involved. I still maintain that this is the real test of Obama. I hope he succeeds, but I expect him to fail.

585 MarineMomSue  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:05:56pm

re: #545 solomonpanting

Idiot NPR reporter thinks negotiations would have seen Phillips freed in exchange for pirate freedom.

“Idiot NPR reporter” = redundant

586 avanti  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:06:08pm

re: #561 Drained Brain

Re Commander-in-Chief Obama: He allegedly gave approval twice, once on Friday and once on Saturday.

This sounds suspiciously like micro-management to me.

How about the :
“The officials say Obama ordered the Defense Department to use military resources to rescue Richard Phillips from a lifeboat off the Somali coast.”
That order seems to imply authorization, but not telling them how to do it.

587 hous bin pharteen  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:06:26pm

I stand corrected. Big 10 schools are even hiring terrorists as proffesours. Even North Western.

Bernardine Dohrn - Weather Underground terrorists who supported Charles Manson.
She was a professor at the same college as Obama. University of Chicago.
The more I read about this stuff, the more I think this country is in bad shape.
[Link: en.wikipedia.org…]

588 Killian Bundy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:06:48pm

re: #577 Shr_Nfr

Please remember that the British sharpshooters in Afghanistan are able to take out people at the distance of a mile.

Canadians.

/2,430 meters

589 anchors_aweigh  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:08:13pm

re: #561 Drained Brain

Stand-by for heavy rolls. You are about to witness the attempted deception of the US public by the administration. They will attempt to portray the rescue as a stand-alone decision by the President and transfer the credit to him.

If you understand military operations, you can see very clearly that the rescue was simply a case of the on-scene commander using his PRE-PLANNED (that’s what SROE is) authority to rescue Phillips.

If Obama is an honorable man, he will give credit where credit is due. I am not hopeful.

590 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:08:16pm

re: #578 Drained Brain

Fox News just now reported the same, i.e. that “President Obama twice authorized…”

Maybe my initial thoughts are unfair - maybe that’s the way it always works in such a situation, no matter who is the President.

No question I can’t be objective about Obama but I don’t want to fall into the same mindset that I’ve seen for the past eight years (and anytime before that when the conservatives had any kind of majority).

591 nyc redneck  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:08:41pm

re: #481 pink freud

You can reverse your ding, nyc.

i tried, pink.
i messed up, i don’t know what happened.
it didn’t reverse.

592 Shr_Nfr  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:08:54pm

re: #581 itellu3times

I argue against 3 shots three kills. I argue it was done with full auto. But we will find out in the long run. What matters is that it was done. What also matters is what will be done next.

593 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:09:36pm

re: #589 anchors_aweigh

Stand-by for heavy rolls. You are about to witness the attempted deception of the US public by the administration. They will attempt to portray the rescue as a stand-alone decision by the President and transfer the credit to him.

If you understand military operations, you can see very clearly that the rescue was simply a case of the on-scene commander using his PRE-PLANNED (that’s what SROE is) authority to rescue Phillips.

If Obama is an honorable man, he will give credit where credit is due. I am not hopeful.

You sound like you know whereof you speak. Thanks and no, I’m not hopeful either.

594 Shr_Nfr  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:10:05pm

re: #586 avanti

That is about the level of involvement he should have done. Again, the question is what does he do next?

595 hous bin pharteen  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:10:30pm

re: #571 Bluto8

HEY!

Quick picking on me! Or I am going to blow up your baked bean cannery with an ice cream truck bomb!

596 nyc redneck  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:10:34pm

re: #540 Pigtown Water Dog

I knew you didn’t mean it.

:D

597 Cato the Elder  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:12:04pm

Best. Possible. Outcome.

And to all those armchair admirals out there: Letting the Navy pick its moment is always the best plan.

Oh, and yes, Obama is not Jimmah Carter.

598 Edouard  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:12:21pm

re: #545 solomonpanting

Idiot NPR reporter thinks negotiations would have seen Phillips freed in exchange for pirate freedom.

So it’s better to let the pirates go free and continue to hijack more vessels, steal and extort more property and more money, and threaten many more lives. Gotcha.

599 Shr_Nfr  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:12:35pm

re: #593 Drained Brain

Mr. Obama is notable for his lack of honor in keeping his promises. I do not put in him in the full psychopath category, but it is one of the characteristics of such people. Their word is not their bond. It is the expedient of the moment.

600 Shr_Nfr  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:12:58pm

re: #597 Cato the Elder

Sadly he may be worse.

601 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:13:37pm

re: #589 anchors_aweigh

Stand-by for heavy rolls. You are about to witness the attempted deception of the US public by the administration. They will attempt to portray the rescue as a stand-alone decision by the President and transfer the credit to him.

If you understand military operations, you can see very clearly that the rescue was simply a case of the on-scene commander using his PRE-PLANNED (that’s what SROE is) authority to rescue Phillips.

If Obama is an honorable man, he will give credit where credit is due. I am not hopeful.

I wonder how many people this will fool? I think the Admin would have waited to see if it had a good outcome before commenting. Good outcome—WE did it. Bad outcome—-Rogue SEALS—or better yet, “trained during the Bush administration.” Whatever. At least we didn’t have Carter in charge. Maybe our military now has a watchword—if they get a truly stupid order from the Admin—say yes but then do the necessary to insure success.

602 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:13:53pm

re: #597 Cato the Elder
Don’t be so fast. One act does not a presidency make. That said I’ve given kudos to the one for letting the military do it’s job.

603 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:14:27pm

re: #586 avanti

How about the :
“The officials say Obama ordered the Defense Department to use military resources to rescue Richard Phillips from a lifeboat off the Somali coast.”
That order seems to imply authorization, but not telling them how to do it.

Notice that your quote is from the original article. The first two paragraphs are an update, post-operation.

If I were a Democrat questioning Bush similarly, I’d ask which of the statements was operative.

604 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:14:32pm

re: #597 Cato the Elder

Best. Possible. Outcome.

And to all those armchair admirals out there: Letting the Navy pick its moment is always the best plan.

Oh, and yes, Obama is not Jimmah Carter.

Give him time.

605 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:15:10pm

re: #603 Drained Brain

I wish I could give you more updings for that one.

606 solomonpanting  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:15:12pm

re: #585 MarineMomSue

“Idiot NPR reporter” = redundant

I couldn’t leave it as “NPR reporter.” The force of habit is often times too strong to overcome.
;”)

607 Shr_Nfr  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:15:21pm

re: #581 itellu3times

I am arguing against 3 shots three kills for the reasons you outline. I suppose as the facts are released we will all find out. Its moot at present. The short term objective has been accomplished. The long term objective remains open.

608 Strike Hornet  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:15:54pm

re: #522 Idle Drifter

Reporters think imminent danger is debatable.

Unless of course it pertains to a Gitmo terrorist or some other poor misunderstood oppressed cold blooded cop killing murderer…

609 Alberta Oil Peon  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:16:15pm

re: #47 jcm

Posted this early….

It not the Pirates fault.

Well, in fact it is the Pirates’ fault. Them, and every other man and woman in Somalia that stood by and let the warlords destroy the state. Maybe if they were to look inward, look at their social structure and their dysfunctional religion, they might find the root cause of the problem.

610 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:17:15pm

re: #605 katemaclaren

I wish I could give you more updings for that one.

Thank you! I’m still recovering from the Pizzagate thread and I appreciate it sincerely. :-)

Again, I’m not advocating a “conspiracy,” and I know politics are politics. Still, that immediately jumps out as significant to me.

611 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:17:20pm

re: #608 Strike Hornet

Unless of course it pertains to a Gitmo terrorist or some other poor misunderstood oppressed cold blooded cop killing murderer…

or one of them.

612 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:18:55pm

re: #610 Drained Brain

You deserve it!
Everything in the hopper for consideration.
Change your nic to Brain STORM! ;-:

613 katemaclaren  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:19:51pm

Well, gotta go! Later Lizards. Happy rest-of-the-day!

614 anchors_aweigh  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:20:10pm

re: #601 katemaclaren

I am not prepared to be that cynical of Obama.

Obama was simply being told what was happening. The only person that exhibited any initiative was the on-scene commander.

Again, the entire chain-of-command was standing around with their dicks in their hands until the on-scene commander made the call.

That’s the real story. Look for much political covering. In fact, it is possible that the on-scene commander could be black-listed for making his superiors look impotent.

It has happened before….Civil War generals, Patton, McAuthor (sp).

615 hous bin pharteen  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:20:15pm

re: #598 Edouard

Hey, they need money to move to the capital of the world! San Francisco! (sorry Zombie!)
Traveling expenses, rent, bus rides, protest signs, etc.

616 pingjockey  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:23:15pm

going up!

617 loppyd  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:23:49pm

re: #479 countrygurl

I dinged him up for ya

So funny. People think I’m a guy on blogs all of the time.

:) No worries…….. !

618 Bluto8  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:25:38pm

re: #595 hous bin pharteen

HEY!

Quick picking on me! Or I am going to blow up your baked bean cannery with an ice cream truck bomb!

My apologies Mr. Pharteen, I’m sure he is referring to a different Hous Bin Pharteen!
LOL!

619 avanti  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:26:10pm

re: #603 Drained Brain

Notice that your quote is from the original article. The first two paragraphs are an update, post-operation.

If I were a Democrat questioning Bush similarly, I’d ask which of the statements was operative.

Update by CNN, the use of force was a standing order starting Fri, the POTUS was getting updates almost hourly. Time line is being released.

621 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:26:38pm

re: #590 Drained Brain

Fox News just now reported the same, i.e. that “President Obama twice authorized…”

Maybe my initial thoughts are unfair - maybe that’s the way it always works in such a situation, no matter who is the President.

No question I can’t be objective about Obama but I don’t want to fall into the same mindset that I’ve seen for the past eight years (and anytime before that when the conservatives had any kind of majority).

It’s all speculation until the actual details are known. Right now, it’s just as likely that some paper shuffler in the CoC submitted approval requests twice. Let’s wait and get the real story.

622 solomonpanting  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:28:02pm

re: #620 Killian Bundy

UPDATE 1-Somali pirates vow revenge over comrades’ killings

Commander: Pirates’ deaths could escalate violence

/we really need to go after their bases

Yep. All we did was create more pirates.

623 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:28:47pm

re: #621 SixDegrees

It’s all speculation until the actual details are known. Right now, it’s just as likely that some paper shuffler in the CoC submitted approval requests twice. Let’s wait and get the real story.

Good advice! Every day is a great day to be American. This is a really great day and I’m going to relish it for awhile without worrying about the details.

624 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:31:18pm

re: #620 Killian Bundy

UPDATE 1-Somali pirates vow revenge over comrades’ killings

Commander: Pirates’ deaths could escalate violence

/we really need to go after their bases

As a first step, confining them to within the internationally recognized 12 mile limit would be a good step that’s fairly easy to achieve without tying up a large amount of resources. That’s enough water to fish in, and well outside the shipping lanes.

What’s really needed, of course, is a Somalian government. That’s going to be very hard to come by.

625 So?  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:34:24pm

re: #20 Desert Dog

So, now what will the USA do about this problem? There is still the tugboat that was taken yesterday, and there are other vessels still being held. We should act now and end this nonsense. If Obama tries to get some consensus or get the UN or other countries to join in, it will not work. We need to put the hammer down on these scumbag and put it down HARD

That whole god-forsaken town/village needs to be taken out. Perhaps the US can drop leaflets like the Israelis do before wiping the town off the face of the Earth. Obama needs to take advantage of the momentum as it will also bring him prestige from those countries whose ships have also been seized. The big problem is how to rescue all those hostages before cleaning up the hell hole in Somalia.

626 Archimedes  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:34:43pm

re: #360 _RememberTonyC

let em sink to the bottom of the ocean … it’s not like we need to determine the cause of death …

I used to read those old pulp fiction Doc Savage novels. This whole operation had that sort of feel to it, with the bravery of the captain and men involved. Really felt like America’s hey day.

627 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:36:21pm

re: #622 solomonpanting

Yep. All we did was create more pirates.

Doubtful. Pirates are opportunistic scavengers; they aren’t motivated by ideology of any kind, including revenge.

Up until now, they’ve wisely avoided attacking American-flagged ships, and we can certainly expect that policy to be reinvigorated. Meanwhile, we’ll hear a lot of tough talk and other posturing, but that’s about it - empty displays of bravado.

628 solomonpanting  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:38:05pm

re: #627 SixDegrees

Forgot my sarc tag.

629 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:38:44pm

re: #628 solomonpanting

Forgot my sarc tag.

Oops. Never mind.

630 Dustyvet  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:40:07pm

re: #545 solomonpanting

Idiot NPR reporter thinks negotiations would have seen Phillips freed in exchange for pirate freedom.

And with a ransom…f*** NPR!


*spit*

/S

631 So?  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:40:40pm

My only worry is that these asshole muslim terrorists will start killing the hostages they do have in their custody. Life means nothing to them. They are NOT PIRATES. They are muslim terrorist scum.

632 sngnsgt  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:40:42pm

Shark-bait, time for some shark fishing.

633 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:41:49pm

from George’s Bottom Line:

Obama Approved Special Forces Team
April 12, 2009 3:22 PM

A senior US official tells me that President Barack Obama approved a recommendation by Defense Secretary Bob Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Michael Mullen to dispatch special forces to the US scene on Friday.

These special forces were authorized to take action “in extremis” against the Somali pirates holding Maersk Captain Richard Phillips, 53, hostage on a motorized lifeboat off the coast of Somalia.

A senior official tells me that when the fourth Somali pirate was on the Bainbridge ship, Phillips moved to side of the lifeboat to relieve himself.

At that point, U.S. special forces saw their opportunity and took other three pirates out.

Captain Phillips is now safe aboard a U.S. vessel.

It’s “going to make a great movie,” a U.S. official adds.

—George Stephanopoulos

If so, good for Obama to listen to advice.

634 anchors_aweigh  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:44:31pm

re: #619 avanti

Update by CNN, the use of force was a standing order starting Fri, the POTUS was getting updates almost hourly. Time line is being released.

Starting friday? SROE started friday? How convienent for that meme to get started. As Homey de Clown used to say “I don’t think so”. The truth is that SROE IS ALWAYS IN EFFECT, AT ALL TIMES, AND PREDATES OBAMA.

635 solomonpanting  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:45:21pm

re: #630 Dustyvet

re: #545 solomonpanting

Idiot NPR reporter thinks negotiations would have seen Phillips freed in exchange for pirate freedom.

And with a ransom…f*** NPR!


*spit*

/S

He kept pressing the point that the Navy really wasn’t negotiating, but rather issuing an ultimatum. Yeah, just like the police during a hostage standoff: “Let the girl go and you can walk away from all this.”

636 sngnsgt  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:46:05pm

re: #633 Drained Brain

from George’s Bottom Line:


If so, good for Obama to listen to advice.

So Obama’s policy of meeting without pre-conditions first didn’t work? /

637 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:48:46pm

re: #636 sngnsgt

So Obama’s policy of meeting without pre-conditions first didn’t work? /

Good one.

Here’s more from CNN’s political ticker:

WASHINGTON (CNN) – President Obama granted two separate requests from the Defense Department to go forward with a military operation to rescue Captain Richard Phillips, an administration official tells CNN.

Obama granted the authority to use appropriate force with the focus on saving and protecting Phillips’ life. The requests were made by the Pentagon Friday and Saturday. For technical reasons, authority was granted two different times, according to the official, because different U.S. forces moved in the region near the coast of Somalia.

638 landline  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:50:19pm

re: #609 Alberta Oil Peon
Here is more BS from the MSM:

“Killing three out of thousands of pirates will only escalate piracy,” said Sheikh Abdullahi Sheikh Abu Yusuf, spokesman of the moderate Islamist group Ahlu Sunna Waljamaca.
[Link: uk.reuters.com…]

No, this is not a joke. This is the same reasoning as “If you defend yourself from terrorism you create more terrorists.”

639 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:51:47pm

re: #638 landline

Here is more BS from the MSM:

“Killing three out of thousands of pirates will only escalate piracy,” said Sheikh Abdullahi Sheikh Abu Yusuf, spokesman of the moderate Islamist group Ahlu Sunna Waljamaca.
[Link: uk.reuters.com…]

No, this is not a joke. This is the same reasoning as “If you defend yourself from terrorism you create more terrorists.”

But, but, shouldn’t we be listening to such moderates? /

640 Pickles  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:51:53pm

re: #543 Shr_Nfr

On that you and I both agree. I too have not too much faith that he will follow through and do what needs to be done on a wider scale. I will give him credit for letting the guys in the area do what needed to be done. I would like to hope he would learn from this and take some kind of affirmative action (such as getting to the bases where these perps operate) but I’m not hopeful. Obama is a certified left wing socialist. He did the right thing this time, and that’s good and I’ll give him props for that, but as for the future I agree with you. I have seen nothing that makes me think he will do what needs to be done.

641 [deleted]  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:52:33pm
642 irongrampa  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:54:15pm

When this country ceases to produce men like Capt Phillips , Capt Sullenberger, and our military personnel, then you can truly say we are finished as a nation.

Until then, we will ALWAYS persevere.

643 Killian Bundy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:56:08pm

If the damn FNC anchor calls the Bainbridge the Brisbane one more time …

/he’s been doing it for hours now, don’t they have producers?

644 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:56:14pm

re: #638 landline

Here is more BS from the MSM:

“Killing three out of thousands of pirates will only escalate piracy,” said Sheikh Abdullahi Sheikh Abu Yusuf, spokesman of the moderate Islamist group Ahlu Sunna Waljamaca.
[Link: uk.reuters.com…]

No, this is not a joke. This is the same reasoning as “If you defend yourself from terrorism you create more terrorists.”

Well, it’s BS from Sheikh Abdullahi Sheikh Abu Yusuf, who clearly needs to rethink a few things. And who displays a commanding ignorance of the pirates, who as noted above are not motivated by revenge or other ideology, but only by opportunistic greed.

645 [deleted]  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:57:37pm
646 Salamantis  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:58:35pm

The US Navy did today what I was urging to be done yesterday, and it couldn’t have turned out better.

The Somali warlords are on notice now; when you sow the wind by seizing US vessels, you reap the whirlwind of US wrath and retribution.

Her’s hoping that this is just the beginning, and that a US whirlwind soon blows them all away.

647 razorbacker  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 2:58:43pm

re: #641 Iron Fist

From reports coming out on Fox, the U.S. Navy ship was within 25 or 30 meters from the lifeboat when the pie rats were shot.

Three kill-shots at the same time is nothing to sneeze at. Good, precision shooting. My hat is off to them (and I’d buy the beer for the shooters).

It wouldn’t exactly take some super-weapon to make those shots, though.

648 Killian Bundy  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:00:42pm

re: #647 razorbacker

From reports coming out on Fox, the U.S. Navy ship was within 25 or 30 meters from the lifeboat when the pie rats were shot.

/the Bainbridge was towing the lifeboat

649 Adrenalyn  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:01:41pm

so he was in a covered liferaft
and the Navy saw him being threatened ?
how ?

I have to question this…
especially when initial reports were that he jumped overboard, then the shooting started

that I could believe

in other opinions;
how come the President has to allow action in a case like this
are there not rules of engagement
and if not because it is a special situation
why must he approve everything

this is what is wrong with the military
EVERYTHING has to be approved by way too high up

650 razorbacker  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:04:02pm

re: #648 Killian Bundy

Exactly. Towing the lifeboat without the pie rats knowledge, and within 25 to 30 yards.

I’m not going to worry too much about the specifics, 25…30…250…300.
I’m just happy, relieved, and thankful that Captain Phillips is safe. As I said on another thread, this man gave himself as hostage in order to try to save his ship and crew. He is a brave man. We, this nation and this civilization, do not have so many brave men left that we can afford to throw away even one, without cause.

651 Perplexed  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:04:25pm

Probably .30 cal and not .50 cal. The .50 cal at that range is nearly point blank and the round would travel quite some distance after hitting the pirate. Also, probably not automatic as automatic weapons have a tendency to wander due to recoil, bolt action, etc. Excellent shooting though.

Suspect the target was illuminated with IR and the SEALS shot using NVG. That way the pirates never knew what was going on until they keeled over, dead. Great to own the night.

652 [deleted]  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:09:55pm
653 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:10:06pm

re: #649 Adrenalyn


how come the President has to allow action in a case like this
are there not rules of engagement

There are. They are structured to apply to military situations and enemy combatants. This situation was, at the very best, firmly in a gray area. The Navy was never at any risk, the pirates weren’t military personnel by any stretch of imagination, and both Captain Phillips and his ship were operating in the private sector. If I were in charge of the Bainbridge, I’d want explicit clarification of my scope of action from someone higher up the CoC, too.

Not that having hard-and-fast rules would have changed anything. The Navy saw an opportunity, and they took it. Prior to that moment, no such opportunity presented itself. Unless you’re suggesting that they should have immediately attacked the lifeboat and killed everyone on board, which would have been a miserable ending. The press is already attempting to dogpile on the Navy for killing the pirates “without provocation,” or some such nonsense; imagine the outcry had Phillips been killed as a result of brash action.

654 Perplexed  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:18:42pm

re: #653 SixDegrees

A captain of a US vessel once had nearly presidential rights. Fire on his ship and he could return fire. Discover a new country and they could enter into a treaty with the rulers. Near instant communications put an end to most of that.

655 jwbrown1969  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:21:00pm

Well done…Go Navy.

I am not a big Obama fan (an understatement) but giving the green light for this rescue was the right call…

656 monkey den  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:21:57pm

3 simultaneous kill shots to the head. marvelous.

657 solomonpanting  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:24:57pm

re: #656 monkey den

3 simultaneous kill shots to the head. marvelous.

“Anyone else want to negotiate?”

658 Strike Hornet  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:25:39pm

re: #644 SixDegrees

Well, it’s BS from Sheikh Abdullahi Sheikh Abu Yusuf, who clearly needs to rethink a few things. And who displays a commanding ignorance of the pirates, who as noted above are not motivated by revenge or other ideology, but only by opportunistic greed.

Perhaps Obama could have just sent Barney Frank and Chris Dodd in to deal with these greedy capitalists!
/

659 landline  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:25:48pm

re: #639 Drained Brain

But, but, shouldn’t we be listening to such moderates? /

Indeed. We also need to work closely with moderate Muslim groups like Ahlu Sunna Waljamaca to get to the root causes of piracism!

660 Strike Hornet  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:30:26pm

re: #647 razorbacker

From reports coming out on Fox, the U.S. Navy ship was within 25 or 30 meters from the lifeboat when the pie rats were shot.

Three kill-shots at the same time is nothing to sneeze at. Good, precision shooting. My hat is off to them (and I’d buy the beer for the shooters).

It wouldn’t exactly take some super-weapon to make those shots, though.

true, but remember these were not static targets as the small craft is in rough sea bobbing up and down and side to side unpredictably…Not an easy killshot in those conditions…

661 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:32:30pm

re: #659 landline

Indeed. We also need to work closely with moderate Muslim groups like Ahlu Sunna Waljamaca to get to the root causes of piracism!

While Piracism is an outreaching start - let’s call it “Undocumented Coast Guard” to win their hearts and minds.

662 razorbacker  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:37:30pm

re: #660 Strike Hornet

true, but remember these were not static targets as the small craft is in rough sea bobbing up and down and side to side unpredictably…Not an easy killshot in those conditions…

Precisely my point, on a different thread. While the U. S. Navy ships are big enough to give a stable gun platform, the targets were likely moving back and forth and up and down.

Good shooting, and excellent teamwork, to make all three shots at the same time.

663 Strike Hornet  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:38:51pm

re: #657 solomonpanting

“Anyone else want to negotiate?”

Corbin Dallas…My Hero…lol

664 Brees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:42:54pm

GREAT! The NAVY rescued the captain!

I’m sorry people. But did the president really DO anything? From last I read/heard before this rescue…………the president sent the FBI down to negotiate with the pirates. Sounds like that plan came out of a foiled attempt, similar to a “24” episode. Sorry if I offended anyone in the FBI. But I believe a situation like this calls for force. Just like when dealing with terrorists. Oops…..”freedom fighters”.

665 Strike Hornet  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:45:42pm

re: #662 razorbacker

Precisely my point, on a different thread. While the U. S. Navy ships are big enough to give a stable gun platform, the targets were likely moving back and forth and up and down.

Good shooting, and excellent teamwork, to make all three shots at the same time.


Like those night traps in dead of winter in the Atlantic…tough when your ice/snow covered landing strip is bobbing up and down/to and fro by 100 feet…Fly Navy!

666 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:47:48pm

re: #658 Strike Hornet

Perhaps Obama could have just sent Barney Frank and Chris Dodd in to deal with these greedy capitalists!
/

I’d be happier if he sent Tim Geithner.

667 landline  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:58:16pm

re: #661 Drained Brain

While Piracism is an outreaching start - let’s call it “Undocumented Coast Guard” to win their hearts and minds.

This “sea rescue” looks like a use of disproportionate force against a vastly inferior contingent. This is clearly out of character for someone as enlightened as President Obama. Do we know for sure if the leadership of the EU was even consulted? Should the “International Community” be investigating this “War Crime”?

668 SalsaNChips  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 3:58:22pm

Regarding the “three dead Somalies” — I suspect Navy sniper action, followed by coordinated Seal recovery.

Well Done.

669 redswede  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 4:14:21pm

The Daily Kos posted an article yesterday about how “conservative vigilance” botched the Achille Lauro hijacking in 1985. Interesting to note how the conservative vigilance approved by Pres. Obama worked today.

670 Salamantis  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 4:15:23pm

I’m kinda glad the 16 year old pirate is living and in custody. From him, we can most likely extract who the pirate bosses are and where they live.

If I were them, I would be moving far, far away from there as quickly and quietly as possible, and travelling under assumed names.

671 Airedale  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 4:18:08pm

Is the ACLU lining up legal aid for the surviving pirate? He has the right to remain silent and all the financial aid a politician can garnish upon his “misunderstood” situation.

672 monkey den  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 4:20:49pm

re: #664 Brees

GREAT! The NAVY rescued the captain!

I’m sorry people. But did the president really DO anything?

I’m no Obama fan but he gave the order. The first decision to negotiate with the pirates notwithstanding, he did everything you could expect a president to do. What did Bush for the war on terror? He gave the orders. What did Truman do to facilitate a surrender in WWII? Well, I think you know the answer. I don’t think he did anything particularly spectacular here, but give a little credit where a little credit is due.

673 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 4:29:07pm

re: #671 Airedale

Is the ACLU lining up legal aid for the surviving pirate? He has the right to remain silent and all the financial aid a politician can garnish upon his “misunderstood” situation.

Speaking of which - does anyone know who has jurisdiction over the remaining pirate? I’m assuming it falls to the normal US judicial system, since this wasn’t a military engagement by any stretch of the definition, even though the Navy was involved.

674 SixDegrees  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 4:30:24pm

re: #672 monkey den

I’m no Obama fan but he gave the order. The first decision to negotiate with the pirates notwithstanding, he did everything you could expect a president to do. What did Bush for the war on terror? He gave the orders. What did Truman do to facilitate a surrender in WWII? Well, I think you know the answer. I don’t think he did anything particularly spectacular here, but give a little credit where a little credit is due.

Agree. The ongoing attempts to attach a negative spin to this event are not going to help the conservative cause at all.

675 Catttt  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 4:42:46pm

re: #672 monkey den

I’m no Obama fan but he gave the order. The first decision to negotiate with the pirates notwithstanding, he did everything you could expect a president to do. What did Bush for the war on terror? He gave the orders. What did Truman do to facilitate a surrender in WWII? Well, I think you know the answer. I don’t think he did anything particularly spectacular here, but give a little credit where a little credit is due.

I absolutely agree. Credit where credit is due, and President Obama did the right thing.

Vice Admiral Bill Gortney, the US Naval Forces Central Command chief, said there had been “standing orders” from President Barack Obama “to go ahead and take decisive action” if Phillips “was at risk and we determined that he was under imminent danger.

“Our authorities came directly from the president,” he added, noting that US Navy SEALs were involved in the rescue but that he was unsure which snipers took the shots that killed the three pirates.

“The on-scene commander thought that the captain was in imminent danger and then made that decision, and he had the authority to make that decision and he had seconds to make that decision,” sait Gortney, speaking in a videoconference from the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.

Source of quote: [Link: news.asiaone.com…]

676 ColKurtz  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 4:49:40pm

You would think there would be no one would could morally defend the lawless thugs behind piracy, but leave it to enlightend San Franciscans to fill this vacuous… err… vacuum.

“You’re being lied to about pirates”. You see… these guys are defending their country against western countries over-harvesting their nuclear-irradiated fish.

Sers’ly. That’s what the author is claiming.

You fools!

677 Drained Brain  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 5:14:10pm

re: #676 ColKurtz

You would think there would be no one would could morally defend the lawless thugs behind piracy…

Paging Ramsay Clark.

678 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 5:19:57pm

re: #301 Occasional Reader

THREE CHEERS for the brave Captain Phillips and the United States Navy!

HIP HIP…

HORRAY!

679 The Big C  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 5:23:08pm

re: 676

That is one scary article!

680 Cygnus  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 5:26:08pm

re: #8 WindHorse

Captain Phillips, a true American Hero!

He and Captain Sully should go on a Heroes’ Tour together!

681 Cygnus  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 5:29:44pm

re: #47 jcm

Posted this early….

It not the Pirates fault.

Well, boo-f***ing-hoo. Tell that to the crew’s families.

682 Sheepdogess  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 5:31:21pm

re: #672 monkey den

He had no choice.

683 Kulhwch  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 5:59:11pm
The relative reached by phone said he had been in contact with one of the pirates on the lifeboat. He said the pirate reported they were out of ammunition and fuel and were getting desperate.

Hell, they should have said something.

}:)     [We’d’ve had a dozen Seals row some out to them … ]

684 irving  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 5:59:28pm

Navy SEALs are fairly infamous for wearing black and conducting stealth missions, yes?

I think we can call one Internet meme settled:

Ninjas 3, Pirates 0.

Decisive action would be awesome against the Somali pirates. The big question is what and how. It’s not precisely easy. Somalia is a nation that is practically begging for some nation-building, but as we we’ve seen, nation building totally sucks - and the Army’s kinda busy.

Even if you’re only willing to credit Obama of getting out of the way, that’s genuinely the smart thing to do with this situation. It is all to easy to micromanage a military situation to death. Sitting on your hands and letting the experts do the right thing is not always easy. Kudos to Obama for doing it.

685 Walker1940  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 6:05:22pm

Who gets the lifeboat? Those things are expensive.
Hopefully not to many holes in it. Give it to the Captain and let him put it in his front yard.

686 notutopia  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 6:17:52pm

Hallelujah this one is over! Thank you NAVY!
Captain Phillips has chutzpah! Jumping in the water was so smart.

687 restitutor orbis  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 6:39:12pm

Now if only the media can remember that the real heroes are Capt. Phillips, the snipers, and the guy who told them to take the shot.

Somehow, I can only expect them to talk of Obama’s “cool, composed, almost godlike control” of the situation. Nevermind the Street Agitator-in Chief was hiding under his desk for the past week, hoping the situation would go away. He’s not worthy enough to tie Capt Phillips shoes. I’m not about to hop aboard on his sack just yet.

Oh, and how long before Christiane Amanpour host a special “Pirates: The Wages of Despair”, with the sequel, “Pirates: Christians and Jews were Pirates Too!”

688 Curt  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 7:35:11pm

re: #229 avanti

He would have been dead without the Navy, the bad guys were about to fire on him. It’s not like he swam to the destroyer and climbed aboard, he was rescued.

Because the Navy was there, he could take the chance…and pray they hadn’t been ordered not to shoot. Actually, he would have just had to jump in on faith…and it could have certainly ended badly if the operators were not quick on the triggers - AK-47s in your torso at close range from at least one, if not three shooters….so…he basically rescued himself, “hoping” the Navy could complete the action.

At some point, I’ll bet we hear him say this himself.

Anyhow, I’d rather be eaten by sharks than to be on camera having my throat slit, then my head taken off with a rusty, dull blade, while the jihadis got a nut on TV.

689 swamprat  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 8:08:25pm

We finally get to see Obama’s super diplomacy skills. That is, like, so much more nuanced than nasty ole Bush and his heavy handed, ham-fisted, cowboy style tactics! I am so glad we have entered an era where brute force is not an answer. Obama rocks!

690 doubledip  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 8:20:50pm

Seems not everyone is happy over this news.

691 jaunte  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 8:28:43pm

re: #690 doubledip

Interesting. I put your link up on the Moving Open Thread, too.

693 sngnsgt  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 8:39:08pm

I heard somewhere, I can’t remember where, it was 3 shots, and 3 kills..?

Anyone hear this or know?

694 Xenobyte  Sun, Apr 12, 2009 11:34:37pm

Is it just me or does it seem like this is the right thing to do with this somali pirate… Drag him after a moving car, alive (to begin with obviously) as it seem to be the way they treated foreign soldiers they captured in Somalia…

Afterwards the US need to make this ultimatum to Somalia: Move into the harbor town of Eyl (aka. Pirate Heaven) and either capture or kill all the pirates there - or we will do it with a swift bombing raid using napalm and white phosphor, making sure everything burns, especially the pirates.

695 Mike DeGuzman  Mon, Apr 13, 2009 5:47:59am

Adm. William Gortney said Monday that it took only three shots for Navy snipers to kill the trio of pirates.

Interviewed from Bahrain, Gortney said the takedown happened shortly after the hostage-takers were observed by sailors aboard the USS Bainbridge “with their heads and shoulders exposed.”

Asked how the snipers could have killed each pirate with a single shot in the darkness, Gortney described them as “extremely, extremely well-trained.” He told NBC’s “Today” show the shooting by the snipers was ordered by the captain of the Bainbridge after the pirates “exposed themselves” to attack.

Military officials were widely praising the snipers for three flawless shots, which they described as remarkable, coming at night and from the stern of a ship on rolling waters.

Defense officials also indicated, speaking anonymously, that the Navy snipers got the go-ahead to fire after one of the pirates was seen holding an AK-47 so close to Phillips that the weapon appeared to be touching him. Two other pirates popped their heads up, giving snipers all three of their targets, one official said.

They said that a fourth pirate who survived was believed to be between 16 and 20 years old, and had in effect surrendered before the sniper rescue.

One official said he jumped into a small craft that had been taking food to the lifeboat, and asked to be taken to the Bainbridge. He also needed medical help because he had been stabbed in the hand on the Maersk Alabama in the initial standoff with crew members when the pirates attempted unsuccessfully to take over the cargo vessel, officials said.

The Navy released images of the scene from an unmanned drone, Scan Eagle. It showed that the snipers had positioned themselves on the fantail of the Bainbridge. The snipers fired simultaneously. One of the pirates was in the pilot house.

The SEALS arrived on the scene by parachuting from their aircraft into the sea, and they were picked up by the Bainbridge, a senior U.S. official said.

The pirates were “becoming increasingly agitated in the rough waters; they weren’t getting what they wanted.”

Just as it was getting dark, pirates fired a tracer bullet “toward the Bainbridge,” further heightening the sense that the incident was ratcheting up, the official said.

He said that at the time snipers took their shot, Phillips’ hands were bound.

696 Ornery Ballsack  Mon, Apr 13, 2009 5:58:15am

This flagrant aggressive cowboy move will just make the Pirates hate us and will just help recruit more Pirates.


/whew

697 Tisto  Mon, Apr 13, 2009 6:44:47am

Parsing “imminent danger”:

South Park Video
698 Land Shark  Mon, Apr 13, 2009 7:04:53am

This is good all around. Capt. Phillips is safe, the Navy Seals did us proud with their excellence under pressure, three dead scumbag pirates and I give big props to President Obama for allowing the Navy to do it’s job. He signed off on the order to use force if necessary and then stayed out of their way. Good job there. Mr. President.

699 charles_martel  Mon, Apr 13, 2009 7:38:54am

GO NAVY!
Go SEALS!
Now, go get the mothership and blast it out of the water.

700 so.cal.swede  Mon, Apr 13, 2009 7:47:29am

go seals!

Thank you Obama for not stopping the operation based on some “international understanding and dialogue” reason

701 so.cal.swede  Mon, Apr 13, 2009 7:48:02am

re: #696 Ornery Ballsack

This flagrant aggressive cowboy move will just make the Pirates hate us and will just help recruit more Pirates.

/whew

You’re sarcastic, but that’s the first thing i heard on the news about this.

702 Land Shark  Mon, Apr 13, 2009 7:59:22am

Some people have criticized Obama for not saying anything about the pirate hostage situation for 5 days. Heck, I think that was the smartest move he could have made. What the hell was he going to say that would do any good? If anything, running at the mouth would have probably made it worst. I think not saying anything was the wisest course.

703 AZDave  Mon, Apr 13, 2009 11:32:06am

re: #42 Jimmah

Great stuff.

PS - I bet Jimmy Carter is pissed off.

Good. Let him eat shit!

704 AZDave  Mon, Apr 13, 2009 11:39:00am

re: #75 6pat6

Yup. Score is now: BHO - 1, Jimmah - 0

That’ll probably be the end score, four years from now.

Sad to say, but you’re most likely 100% correct.

705 AZDave  Mon, Apr 13, 2009 11:48:04am

re: #204 Steffan

It won’t surprise me if he tries to take credit for this.

Yep, he and Hillary were out there taking sniper fire.

706 AZDave  Mon, Apr 13, 2009 11:55:22am

re: #253 Shr_Nfr

I have serious doubt that Obama was involved at any substantive level.

Most likely true. Big O wanted to finish his pancakes and/or select the right dog for his kids. You know, priorities.

707 Yashmak  Mon, Apr 13, 2009 12:21:33pm

Ok. I understand that, because this involved an American flag vessel with an American crew, it’s news. And I wouldn’t think for a second about taking away from what the captain, crew, and navy have done here. Kudos all around. It made me feel a little bit prouder to be an American.

I have to say though, I’m a bit disgusted by the blatant use of the situation by the media to get viewers…viewers who have ignored this piracy for YEARS, and are only transiently interested because of the involvement of the American captain and crew. This same media has largely ignored the phenomenon in the past, mentioning it on occasion only (like when a ship full of tanks gets taken for example). This same media will almost certainly resume ignoring the piracy issue a week from now.

That aside though, I’m really happy to hear the captain is safe and sound, and thought it interesting that it turned out about like several commentors here had guessed it would.

708 NukeAtomrod  Mon, Apr 13, 2009 5:57:25pm

This went down just like the scenario I suggested in an earlier thread. President Obama gave the orders and did the right thing. I have no complaints about this one. Good job, Mr. President. I didn’t think you had it in you. I’m overjoyed that I was wrong. And it appears I was right about the skill of the Navy SEAL sharpshooters as well. Three simultaneous kill shots. Excellent work guys! It is a proud day for all Americans.


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