Link here: http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=22784
060318-N-8623S-002 Indian Ocean (March 18, 2006) - An armed suspected pirate looks over the edge of a skiff, in international waters off the coast of Somalia. USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) prepared to board the suspicious vessel. The vessels crew members opened fire on the U.S. Navy ships and the ships crew members returned fire. One suspect was killed and 12 were taken into custody. Coalition forces conduct maritime security operations to ensure security and safety in international waters so legitimate mariners can operate freely while transiting the region. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist Daniel Sanford (RELEASED)
060318-N-8623S-004 Indian Ocean (March 18, 2006) - Rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) and other armaments lay on the deck of USS Cape St. George (CG 71) after being confiscated during an early-morning engagement with suspected pirates. Cape St. George and USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) were fired upon while preparing to board a suspect vessel operating in international waters off the coast of Somalia. One suspect was killed and 12 were taken into custody. Coalition forces conduct maritime security operations to ensure security and safety in international waters so legitimate mariners can operate freely while transiting the region. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist Daniel Sanford (RELEASED)
And here's how it ended up, no surprises here:
060318-N-8623S-003 Indian Ocean (March 18, 2006) - A suspected pirate vessel ignites in flames before burning to the waterline. USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) and USS Cape St. George (CG 71) were conducting maritime security operations in international waters off the coast of Somalia and attempted to perform a routine boarding of the suspicious vessel towing two skiffs. The suspected pirates opened fire on the U.S. Navy ships and the ships crew members returned fire. One suspect was killed and 12 were taken into custody. Coalition forces conduct maritime security operations to ensure security and safety in international waters so legitimate mariners can operate freely while transiting the region. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist Daniel Sanford (RELEASED)
What kind of genius does it require to be in a small boat and open fire on a US Destroyer and Cruiser?
Darwin award for sure!
GO NAVY!!! Job well done!!
Y'know, what those pirates lacked in brains they more than made up for in chutzpah.
RPGs in a 30-foot fishing vessel vs. a pair of US Navy warships.
That's like bringing spit-balls to a gunfight.
Great pictures. What WERE they thinkin'! Maybe they wanted to be taken into custody and be given a decent meal. LOL!