Home » International » Pirates Take US Ship; Prosecute or Plug Em?

Pirates Take US Ship; Prosecute or Plug Em?

By Colin Clark Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 12:29 pm
Posted in International, Naval, Policy

UPDATED: CAPTAIN Freed; SEALs Slay Three Pirates. Crew Retakes the Ship, Pentagon Says! Early Reports Indicate At Least One Pirate Captured

All through the piracy crisis off of Somalia the US Navy and the State Department have made the argument that their hands are largely tied unless the pirates seize an American flagged ship.

Now they have, with yesterday’s seizure of the Maersk Alabama and its 20 crew members. The White House, aware that the legal basis for armed retaliation has been laid, issued a statement. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said the national security team there is “closely monitoring the apparent hijacking of the U.S.-flagged ship in the Indian Ocean and assessing a course of action to resolve this situation.”

The crew’s safety is the top priority. However, the Navy is steaming to the scene. Once US ships are on station they will doubtless follow the tactics, techniques and procedures they have developed in consultation with the shipping companies and their insurance companies. They will monitor the ship to ensure the pirates do not harm anyone on board. They will watch for the ransom drop. Once the ransom is dropped the White House must decide whether to blow the pirates out of the water as they flee the scene — which would certainly be satisfying and might well help deter future acts against US-flagged ships — or seize them and ship them to the US for prosecution or turn them over to Kenya, with whom we have an agreement to try pirates in their courts.

Somalia has no functioning government in the area from which the pirates hail, but the State Department has made clear it does not want to take harsh actions that might rebound on the rump government that largely operates from Djibouti and in the country’s north. So my bet is we will spend hundreds of thousands — if not several million — dollars catching these guys and trying them in the ole US of A, if only to send the message that we will not tolerate such actions against US ships and will follow the letter of our laws in a humane fashion.

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	G April 8th, 2009 at 1:19 pm It’s time that we show these pirates that this is not a game. We should not pay a ransom to release the crew, we should kick in the door and rescue the crew by force. Send in the SEALs to kill or capture those pirates. We need to show them that you can’t mess with the U.S. and think you can go unpunished. Enough is enough already, take back all the ships they hijacked by force or they will never learn and this will just keep going on.
	timbo April 8th, 2009 at 1:27 pm I like the idea of blowing them out of the water as they go for the ransom drop.… (big thumbs up). Guess these ships are going to have to travel to deeper and deeper waters to avoid these argghh pirates… armed guards are an answer… but that only provokes these pirates to get more violent. (after all all they are looking for is the ransom money not killing people). So if we can catch them as we are giving the ransom… good for us! If they shoot back at us… blow them out of the water… (After all we are the best pirate hunters in the WORLD.… smirk
	NO to Jolly Somali Pirates April 8th, 2009 at 2:18 pm They should be prosecuted to the full extent. IF they are not then there will be even more crimes like this occurring!
	MacMan April 8th, 2009 at 2:42 pm I say plug ‘em! Do it soon too.
	bob April 8th, 2009 at 3:09 pm http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7990566.stm looks like the crew took back their own boat back!…didnt even need the navy.. hope the report is true!
	User4301 April 8th, 2009 at 8:34 pm A couple of observations: 1:What happened to radar satellites watching shipping? 2:These guys are not organized…what if Al Quaida takes this over at $3M a pop?
	bob April 9th, 2009 at 1:54 am ? the ocean is pretty big… if you happend to spot them by sight or radar on a ship.. you could prolly get a satellite to look at it.. other than that… its like looking for needles in haystacks.. small pirate speedboats are too small, and in too much open water… i think Al Queda has more important things than to hijack cargo ships… AlQueda believe it or not is pretty well funded.…plus it makes them highly visible.… dont get me wrong they like attention… but they like to lay very low, and strike big. Taking over some boats is not what their whole ideological goal is about…
	anthony April 9th, 2009 at 6:42 am We are falling for theyre game if they get away with hijaking a ship they“ll go ashore to terrorise their own citizens.And if they get captured what do they have to lose?Nothing because the country that arrests them has to take care of their future after a few years of being fed,then must grant them assiel,Id say sink the criminals!!
	Tom April 9th, 2009 at 7:22 am Hang them all and put the video on the web! Show them how we will deal with them once we get them.
	Terry April 9th, 2009 at 7:22 am Strike Hard and Fast, and maybe they’ll think twice about attacking an American flagged ship in the future. You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us!
	Gary April 9th, 2009 at 7:23 am Ever been to Somolia? Prosecution and jail (may be) would be a quantum leap up in their life style from the thrid world hell hole they have turned their county into. Plug em’. I don’t believe this will stop the hijackings, but they will think twice before trying another US Flagged vessel. They can focus on easier targets like, the French.
	Krek. April 9th, 2009 at 7:27 am Still don’t understand why they don’t use autonomous flight unmanned surveillance helicopters with image recognition. These things can cirle around the ship at 1000metres altitude, unheard, invisible. Any approaching bad guys will be noticed in time for defensive measures.
	GWhiz April 9th, 2009 at 7:33 am The pirates are just after the money and not tied to any political or Al Quaida organization. They have been right to assume that there is easy pickings in hi-jacking ships in this area, and it’s easier than fishing and herding goats. basically smal time criminals getting very rich.
	sailortom April 9th, 2009 at 7:33 am Anybody else see the symbolism in sending the Bainbridge or just me…
	dave April 9th, 2009 at 7:34 am anyone know why piracy has gotten so big lately? is it becuase there are no resources in the homelands of the pirates? and their wives, parents, and children are starving to death? there is no government and no where to turn? I’m not saying it’s okay to steal, it’s NOT, and I would like to kill them too, but is it a fair solution>? what would you do if you had no resources, nowhere to turn and your family was sick and dying? let them die? i doubt it.
	John B April 9th, 2009 at 7:37 am If we are planning on trying them and spending millions to do it lets get the television networks involved and generate some advertising dollars for the publicly broadcast trial and subsequent public execution by firing squad. This could generate hundreds of millions of advertising revenue for the networks not to mention it may just turn out to be one of the best Reality TV Shows to have hit the televisions of Americans and others around the world. But the flip side would be just as profitable. Simply set up cameras from several different angles and then blow them out of the water but let one of them live so he can tell the rest of them exactly what it looks and feels like to have escaped with no limbs but life. Then he can go to his fellow pirates and have them provide support for him and his family for life LOL. This would help nip the problem in the bud and serve as some really hot reality tv howbeit a short story. But the follow-up reality show featuring the limbless survivor could score tens of millions in economic stimulus for the American Economy. Bottom line is that we as American citizens will still have to pay out of our pockets because the insurance companies will raise their rates for the carriers and subsequent price increases will be reflected on the shelves of the stores we buy these products from. The best way is just to waste them all and produce the video and set it up on YouTube so everyone can see first hand what they can expect to receive as consequences for wanting to play “Porky the Pirate”. These “pirates” and I use that term loosely are even more cowardly than the terrorists themselves are and we know that terrorists are the bottom feeders of society. Oh and for the record, I don’t think their going to find even 7 virgins in hell much less 70 of them.
	The Confederate April 9th, 2009 at 7:38 am We are Americans; We do not Negotiate with Terrorist. I am a civilian contractor in the Middle East/Asia and accept the fact that if I am captured then I am on my own. Out of Honor and Pride, Put it too them and turn them in to fish bait.
	Johnny B April 9th, 2009 at 7:48 am What does it take to prevent these unacceptable acts from happening? If the hammer doesn’t come dome hard and right now then why even play games. I say hire a few (maybe 3) either ex-military or others who would commit to guarding these ships 24/7, equip with night vision, and arm heavily and just blow all these thugs to kingdom gone. That’s where they are going anyway regardless of what they think or believe. It beats paying the outrageous ransoms (the weak way) and it rids our planet of the unwanted. C’mon folks, lets get real, and serious about not just this issue, but reality and our future. Or just throw the towel in as spineless wimps. One proud American and ex-military man.
	J. F. 04/09/09 0600 April 9th, 2009 at 8:14 am I say, Shoot first and ask questions later! Let the US Navy and the Rest of the Armed US Forces do their job and the political BS Keep their 2 Cents Business out of it!! Let No One Mess With Our Military Forces!!
	seaker April 9th, 2009 at 8:18 am We should follow the small boat to the mother ship,give them one chance to surrender, if they don’t order them to abandon ship without arms then sink the MOTHER ship and capture the survivors.
	LTCSTAN April 9th, 2009 at 8:43 am We’re just afraid of upsetting islam and the muslims. Plain and simple.
	Army67-69RVN April 9th, 2009 at 9:12 am Maersk is a multinational company.The ship is flagged from the US but the company is Danish. Where’s their concern where’s their Navy. Must be nice to be neutral and have the US protect your business interests. Security should be their responsibility. The Captain is another issue he has placed himself in harms way for the sake of his crew and I can only pray he is released unharmed. As for the Pirates catch them and send condolences to their families.
	bob April 9th, 2009 at 9:13 am I think the update on this story is they navy has surrounded the lifeboat they are in… with no gas… lol i say you jus leave em out at water, after you ofcourse get the captain back… then make sure the mothership doesnt come pick them up.
	Bubba1090 April 9th, 2009 at 10:19 am I wonder what Seal Team 5 is doing today?
	sailortom April 9th, 2009 at 10:21 am there should be legal precedent for this what is the penalty for piracy…I don’t imagine that you can hang them from the yard arm anymore
	USmaniac April 9th, 2009 at 10:28 am Let our 16-inch guns on the ship do the talking. GO USA!!!
	RichFiber April 9th, 2009 at 10:30 am Remember what happened about 200+ years ago? The U.S. Navy was created and manned by our famous Leather Necks. Why? Piracy of merchant ships was growing threat to us and our trading partners! Why Leather Necks/Marines so they wouldn’t have their heads cut off too easily during hand to hand combat. Who were these pirates? Muslim Terrorist! History needs to repeat it’s self and with a “Take No Prisoner Stance”. The effort to end this criminal behavior can be quick and justified with the benefit of saving the future lives of more innocent people and ending another money maker for funding the terrorist. But sadly to say, my feelings are that our newly elected President (Barack Husain Insane) will probably only make a token threat of force and then want to negotiate with these Muslims who have no government and don’t want one. His democrat cohorts will most likely name these Terrorist some form of freedom fighters. Remember our president and his cohorts believe in the importance of “just words” and “diplomatic dialogue” will console those who don’t like us, change them towards liking us.
	Richard Bever April 9th, 2009 at 10:32 am No taxpayer money should be expended on this with the exception of a few well-placed HE rouonds as these criminals try to escape with their ransom. I’m tired of the misguided people in the USA trying to apply our citizenship rights to foreign combatants and criminals. Send a swift and clear message to the pirates by blasting these goons out of the water.
	Schlappy April 9th, 2009 at 10:34 am The pirates are not dumb. They will keep their hostage until after the drop and they are safely back home. They might even keep the hostage indefinitely until the incident dies down enough to where retailiation would be futile. Bottom line, as with condolences to the hostage and his family…DO NOT PAY THE RANSOM.
	Richard Bever April 9th, 2009 at 10:34 am No taxpayer money should be expended on this with the exception of a few well-placed HE rounds as these criminals try to escape with their ransom. I’m tired of the misguided people in the USA trying to apply our citizenship rights to foreign combatants and criminals. Send a swift and clear message to the pirates by blasting these goons out of the water.
	Robert Cowger April 9th, 2009 at 10:41 am in the early 1800’s we had to destroy most of the Tunisian coast to prevent the pirates from operating. I guess we have to do the same again.
	bob April 9th, 2009 at 10:43 am ummm these guys are in a dingy.… Clear view, and if its calm waters an easy shot..why not just get 4 marine snipers on that ship… and end this little situiation once they can get a clear shot…
	Robert Williams April 9th, 2009 at 10:51 am I agree as many other Americans also agree, one you can’t handle situations like this one dipolmatically, especially to a group of terrorist, who extend from a lawless country. The news portrays this like some kind of stand off, the solution to this is the use of deadly force. No deals should be made and or bargins through ransom, there pirates they chose their path in life and we should show them another one in death.
	MARK SCHULMAN April 9th, 2009 at 11:09 am This country has to start acting like the big guy on the block again or we are going to become the joke of the entire world! We need to send a seal team in and wipe the pirates out and send a message that if you mess with the USA, this is what will happen. Bad enough we have a president kissing up to some middle eastern king and making the USA look weak, now we will most likey pay the money and let them go, just to make us not look like a bunch of bullies. We had better wake up in the USA or we may all end up wearing towels on our heads someday!
	RichFiber April 9th, 2009 at 11:10 am The Captain and his 1st Mate should at least have access to one 50 cal, one RPG and one onboard Black Hawk. NEW RULE — the use of Combat Water Hoses will be allowed in the future. It has been determined that getting terrorist wet only reduces their odor.
	Tuco Ramirez April 9th, 2009 at 12:02 pm Plug ‘em! What has come of the combatants we have captured in Iraq and Afg.? They are being returned to fight us again. When German sabatures were caught, they were sumarily exicuted, do we have the seeds to do this today?
	timbo April 9th, 2009 at 12:05 pm errmm… how are these huge hulled boats even getting boarded.… i know theres like a fire escape like ladder so you can board and leave the ship… but why not modify it so you cant just speedboat up to it and run up it wielding guns, or booby trap it with claymores when they go out to sea… i higly doubt these hijackers would fire rpgs at a boat failing to let these guys board as the ship is what gets them the ransom, these guys are after easy money. look what happend after these pirates got frustrated after they couldnt find the crew? the gave up… if they spent 2hrs and couldnt even get aboard the boat, im sure they would have quit too… we need to make it harder for them to jump on boats.… sounds simple right?
	Spiff April 9th, 2009 at 12:12 pm Unleash the SEALs…
	RichFiber April 9th, 2009 at 12:17 pm Slight Correction The Captain and his 1st Mate should at least have access to one 50 cal, one RPG and one onboard Black Hawk. NEW RULE — the use of Combat Water Hoses will not be allowed in the future. It has been determined that getting terrorist wet only reduces their odor.
	Mo_Mo April 9th, 2009 at 12:46 pm These pirates are criminals and have no government, therefore, no laws and no rights. Blow ‘em up. People keep crying about the pirates sob stories and whatnot. Those people volunteered for their life of crime and know what the risks are. They’re criminals and need to be dealt with. Why should we extend our rights and freedoms and pity to those who harm us and steal from us? We Americans are starving too and by paying ransom to criminals just makes our situation worse plus sends the message that crime pays and Americans put out. American vessels will continue to be targeted. We SHALL NOT negotiate with terrorists. Make an example out of them. Our new prez needs to man up and stop making us look like pansies.
	tjm308 April 9th, 2009 at 1:01 pm SailorTom … by sheer accident I discovery the irony of sending the Bainbridge The Bainbridge is named for Navy Captain William Bainbridge – who was taken hostage by Barbary pirates in October 1803 when his ship, USS Philadelphia ran aground while patrolling the Tripoli Harbor. Bainbridge and crew were rescued by USMC. So who will rescue the Alabama’s captain (CPT Richard Phillips) ?? Plug ‘em. Run ‘em through any trial and they’ll be back at it.
	Gov Preston April 9th, 2009 at 1:22 pm Arm ships with 50 caliber and two trained shooters. Start killing the pirates. Disincentivize them. Read lessons from history: US Navy and Marines began from fighting Muslim pirates that Thomas Jefferson dealt with – let’s use these lessons learned and useful practices for our pirate ‘offing’ deployment phase. Jefferson vs the Muslim Pirates http://www.city-journal.org/html/17_2_urbanities-thomas_jefferson.html America and the Barbary Pirates: An International Battle Against an Unconventional Foe http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/collections/jefferson_papers/mtjprece.html
	Harvo April 9th, 2009 at 1:29 pm It is time we let the idiots that we mean bus iness and will not tolerate this BS!! Get the captain and blow these a-holes out of the water and start patroling off shore in international waters with the assistance of air survillence. Blow them –up!!!
	Ernie Burdick April 9th, 2009 at 1:29 pm Release the SEALs and then Kill’em All and let Allah sort them out.
	Bozo April 9th, 2009 at 1:48 pm We’re too busy bowing to other potentates and apologizing for how offensive our belief in God given freedoms and our general economic and social success to effectively deal with these scumbags. We need to stop recognizing the “international borders” of the failed state of Somalia, the 12 mile limit and so on and simply find and destroy the pirates homebase, docks and boats. No boats, no village, no piracy. Seems like for a small price these shipping companies could provide enough deterrence to keep this from happening. Four 50 Cals mounted fore and aft, port and starboard and these poorly armed pirates will think twice and thrice.
	Ron Thomas Major April 9th, 2009 at 1:58 pm These pirates operate out of Malaysia, Indonesia and the PI, some out of Thailand but that is generally too far away. Some are paid by the ships owners to take the boats and they end up on the beach in India or Bangladesh being scrapped„ the owners claim the insurance etc. You want to stop them? Go where they live, hell National geo just did an in person article on them.. we know where they are , who the are… go kill them, and do it big.… worked with Blackbeard and the boys, as well as our Berber buddies.
	JAQUEBAUER April 9th, 2009 at 2:06 pm PLUG EM, THEN DESTROY THE BASES OF OPERATION. TAKE NO PRISONERS…LET THEM REMAIN ON THE BATTLEFIELD WHERE LAWYERS WONT GO…AND THE BUZZARDS ARE HUNGARY.
	Pug Mahone April 9th, 2009 at 2:26 pm You would think that Lloyd’s of London would offer a nice insurance discount to vessels armed as Bozo suggests. Or hows about a decoy ship manned by a crew of SOF guys? When the pirates try to stop and board, take them out!
	jim April 9th, 2009 at 2:36 pm i dont think they would give them an insurance discount.. because defending yourself increases the danger and potential damages 10 fold… imagine if one of these idiots rpgs a boat in a firefight… while i agree with you that i would like armed guards on ships like these… lol i dont think insurance companies is goign to like to payout on an rpged ship lol is hijacking covered under insurance? thought the shipping companies just lost the money thru ransoms..? if so insurance companies would lose more by doing so.…
	Poitical_observer April 9th, 2009 at 2:39 pm The pirates should be captured and video taped as they are tied-up and their bodies rapped in pig skin then they should be hung by the neck and then thrown over board. The video should then be broadcast to all areas where the pirates have home bases with a clear message — “YOU WANT TO BE A PIRATE — YOUR NEXT”. Islam views pigs as unclean, the pig skin routine was used by General Pershing in the Moro Terrorists in Philipines at the turn of the 20th Century and it worked. Simple easy solution not too much talking involved and makes a deep and lasting impression.
	mike April 9th, 2009 at 4:48 pm Blast ‘em out of the water, record it and put it on YouTube!
	Jon Hanford April 9th, 2009 at 5:11 pm Predators + Hellfire + YouTube = Solution
	LGWoyt April 9th, 2009 at 6:19 pm 5 Somali pirates equals 5 US military snipers. 6 ” ” ” 6 ” ” ” . And so on and so on.
	charles cureton April 9th, 2009 at 6:53 pm I say kill them all and let God separate them! That way they will not be attacking any more vessels. The only thing thugs like these understand is FORCE!!!!!
	taylor April 9th, 2009 at 9:46 pm These are the same bxxtards that dragged the body of our heli pilot through the streets of Mogadishu…Lets send a couple of F16’s and it all will be over with a big BANG!!!
	James Rouse April 9th, 2009 at 11:31 pm Plugem with a Slugum.
	3 War LTC April 10th, 2009 at 12:37 am Right now, at 12:30 Local on 10 Apr 09 on the east coast of the U.S. the news is that the Merchant Marine CAPT of the Maersk Alabama is in a small boat with 4 pirates. Hmmm…you mean some Naval Special Warfare unit can’t figure out a way to take these pirates prisoner and free our U.S. hostage? Sooner or later these dangerous, but non-professional sea going thieves will lower their guard and be vulnerable. Politcally the Obama government has to operate on 2 seperate world stags to message manage the fall out from this incident. One is for OCONOUS consumption and the other for domestic consumption.
	CTCruiser April 10th, 2009 at 4:34 am We need to show the somailian’s who they are messing with. Unfortunately this administration are cream puffs and probably will not take any action meaningful. I hope I am incorrect. Plug them and now. Ooorah!
	sailortom April 10th, 2009 at 6:48 am Why do anything when we just have to wait them out…they are not going anywhere…and boarding that life boat in a heaving sea is going to get someone killed probably the would be rescuers…they are going to get hungry and thirsty real soon and then we can capture then and put them on trial
	joiner April 10th, 2009 at 8:32 am Latest news is the captain tried to escape… he jumped off the boat and began to swim… at that point they jumped after him and brought him back aboard… ummm sounds to me like the navy was sleeping when this happend… I agree w/u guys and the navy spec ops option.… i say swim up to it in you seal gear and flip the boat… suprises the hostage takers, they panic drop their weapons in the water trying to swim, then you drag the captain with you with support from an assault craft or guys in a zodiac w/guns that were hidiing on the backside of the bainbridge… or for a simple solution get some snipers on the boat, and similtanniously engage all the pirates within a second of each other. The Captain is getting desperate… they have to do something! We can not just leave him out there, we got to fix this problem..
	meport2 April 10th, 2009 at 9:17 am Before the days of political correctness and pandering to non affected or hostile international governments and agencies for political gain, the United States was a country of action and response to support and secure it’s interests in this world. In 1803 we didn’t seek the support of the world when we fought the Barbary Pirates. We did what was best in support of our national interests. We have to do this again. Now. It used to be the accepted practice to hang captured pirates from the yard arms of their ships and scuttle the their ship in the passage way of ports where pirates frequented, then lay off and blast anyone who came near the ship or attempted to remove the executed pirates from the yardarms. It also was the law of the sea that captured pirates could be tried by the Captains of naval ships that captured them and executed or not depending on the decision of the Captain. And it also was the custom for naval ships to sail into pirate ports and sink every ship in sight without warning. That was then. This is now, unfortunately. In today’s world, inaction, indecision and pandering is the norm. Forget about the increased costs in fuel, time, maintenance, salaries and supplies generated by making longer trips to avoid pirate waters. Those costs can be passed on to us, the consumers, as just another cost of doing business, “don’t you see”. So in the end we, the consumer, pay because governments would rather pander. What a wonderful world we live in.
	hess April 10th, 2009 at 9:37 am Maybe the navy should be doing some S@D pirate hunting misssions… Deploy assault crafts. We definatley need to get into the pirate hunting business… Right now they are getting away with anything they want. Nobody is going against them becasue they are from a lawless country… We need to secure our shipping lanes, and get rid of th scum that are thriving on this…
	WiildWest April 10th, 2009 at 11:20 am Send in the SEALS and plug ‘em — NOW!
	vann4 April 10th, 2009 at 1:57 pm if they hijack one of our ships we sink 10 of theirs. Thats the only message they will understand. in that part of the world fear of death is the best legal action.
	Joe LittleBear April 10th, 2009 at 2:57 pm In the 5th century B.C the Emperor of China was petitioned by a group of “concerned citizens” to outlaw a “particularly heinious weapon” know as the crossbow.…The emperor consulted with his warlords and the consensus was unaminous… We have traveling caravans of merchants who trade throughout the empire, and we do not have enough soldier to provide an armed escort to each one… It is known that when five citizens stand with crossbows bent .…that twenty robbers dare not advance.. We should arm our merchant ships with at least TWO .…50 CAL machine guns.…fore and aft.…about 4 of ole Maw Deuce should be adequate…to give a big surprise to those pirates..they should be manned by some old soldiers ( or sailors ) who know how to use them…
	Paul Reamer April 10th, 2009 at 9:32 pm They are pirates because they are getting away with it and they are making a good living doing so. The only way to stop them is to punish them severly. Agree to what ever demand they ask to get our man back, then kill them and hang their carcases in a fish net off the bow of the ship till they rot away. It will make a good statement for potential wantabe’s. Its not our fault they are dirt poor or their families are starving. American’s are the most generous people on the face of the earth so don’t cry foul and make excuses for the scum bags. I am sure Black Water would be more than willing to supply security to any shipping company who would pay them.
	Ugi April 10th, 2009 at 10:32 pm Is there a bounty on pirates? And who pays it? Pirate Hunting seems like it might be a money maker for the right group of motivated individuals. I would like to see these pirates walk the plank, but if there is money in the bounty, I could see making a living that way. Anybody know anyone? I’m in!
	Prasanna April 11th, 2009 at 12:39 am This is another form of terrorism. There should not be any tolerance against them. First Phase: Embark troops on all ships plying south and north crossing the dangerous zone with sufficient gear for own protection Second Phase: If not sufficient after observing the effectiveness of phase one, line the ships up and make them convoys with sufficient escort ships. Third phase: Sea Denial to pirates which may require breaching the sovereignty of Somalia and attack before they launch or within territorial waters. Sri Lanka Navy has done this effectively against much potent enemy and continued supply to northern peninsula for over two decades.
	William L. Sasman April 11th, 2009 at 10:25 am Where is Rambo? Dam this crap with talking to them dam creeps. Start putting their little boats on the bottom of the indian ocean with the fools. This bagan crap does not show us as being a top nation. First place the dam fools that go into them waters take on a risk and know it. So if something happens then they pay the price. Four b-hinds in a life boat hold up every thing is nuts.
	Ol' Tommy Boy April 11th, 2009 at 11:38 am Are these Somali’s really “pirates”? If so, then send in Peter Pan and the problem’s solved. If, on the other hand, these are sea going Muslim terrorists, then set up escorts with Navy warships, ala WWII convoys, and blow them back to the hell they crawled out of. End of problem!
	Paul B-36 April 11th,09 April 11th, 2009 at 1:12 pm Send food& water to life raft. Water laced with a date rape drug. Given enough time take over sleeping pirates. When awake fly pirates over their village,drop three out at 300 ft. while the fourth watches. Land him so he can walk into village with an American flag. This should have a lasting impression. P
	Paul B-36 April 11th,09 April 11th, 2009 at 1:14 pm Send food& water to life raft. Water laced with a date rape drug. Given enough time take over sleeping pirates. When awake fly pirates over their village,drop three out at 300 ft. while the fourth watches. Land him so he can walk into village with an American flag. This should have a lasting impression.
	J Hanifin April 11th, 2009 at 7:10 pm Bomb were they come from so they have no place to return!!!!!!!!!
	chris April 12th, 2009 at 3:58 am Be careful when going for these so– called pirate’s remember Black hawk down, we don’t want another incident like that, now do we. It seems that the only thing America can do is use it’s might on weaker nations. But you must remember david killed goliath, with a sling and a stone. All in all this is just another incident, that shows the world is no longer scared of the greatest super power. After seeing them defeated in afganistan and Iraq by Al qieda. America better watch out because you can’t police the world. home business idea’s
	David Chidakel April 12th, 2009 at 4:28 pm I’m afraid I agree with those who believe that the ships should be protect with both arms and armor.
	bob April 12th, 2009 at 5:26 pm UPDATE: Snipers shot the pirates… seals came in to the rescue! Captain is free!
	Mike April 14th, 2009 at 5:00 am For those of you who think we should back off and use kid gloves, GROW UP. These pirates are very poor, un-educated Punks who think having an AK47 in there hands will conquer the world. I am X-20 yrs Army and I say mount two 50 Cal’s bow and stern. Man them with GOOD trained soldliers, or train the crew of need be. Then, at the first sign of trouble, dump the pirates. Find there camp, take it apart including amybody, or anything associated with it. All these people know is brute force. Give it to them. And they will fade away.
	Henry Miller April 14th, 2009 at 10:51 am The cowardly statement that we don’t want to make them mad has to go. Let them beware not to make the US mad. If the US is already mad, the pirates are done for. Remember Tripoli.
	3 War LTC April 21st, 2009 at 11:44 pm It is now 23:33 Hrs Local on the East Coast and I wanted an up date on what the bloggers were still saying about this incident. The brave Merchant Marine Captain of the Mearsk Alabama is now free. 3 Pirates are dead at the hand of excellent Naval Special Warfare snipers. The 4th has made a court appearence in New York Federal [District] Court. The outcome of this incident was excellent. But what about the next time a U.S. Flagged Merchant Ship is attacked by pirates and seized? How will we react? Or should we engage in a high level of deterrance activities? Somalia is a failed state…should the nations of the world engage in nation building or just let this splintered land sink further into rule clan by clan? Some times doing nothing is a valid foreign policy, is this that time?