re: #519 Nevergiveup
Well I assume the USS Bainbridge is standing far off at the moment and was really not in position to take immediate action.
“several hundred yards” would still be well within the range of its .50 cal. and the 25mm amidships. If Phillips was off the boat and swimming, and a pirate was firing (either at him or in the air), start putting short bursts from the 25mm into the sea beyond the lifeboat. That’d sure as hell distract the pirates for a few moments.
/and yes, sniper fire at sea would be problematic, AND we don’t know if there even are SEALS on board the Bainbridge.