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Officials: Pirate Fired Weapon in Foiled Escape
Wztv.com ^ | April 10, 2009 | Staff

Posted on 04/10/2009 9:35:05 AM PDT by BarnacleCenturion

Edited on 04/10/2009 9:39:25 AM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]

Defense officials say that one of the pirates holding an American captive fired an automatic weapon when the hostage tried to swim to safety.

Defense officials say it's not clear whether the pirate fired at the fleeing hostage, or into the air. The officials spoke Friday on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk about the sensitive, unfolding operation.


(Excerpt) Read more at wztv.com ...


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: hostages; maritime; richardphillips; somalipirates
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To: BarnacleCenturion

I don’t get it. We have these folks called Navy Seals that can easily terminate 4 pirates in milliseconds. They’re stranded in a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean for crying out loud. Ever heard about scuba gear and night vision goggles?


41 posted on 04/10/2009 10:13:35 AM PDT by cornfedcowboy
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To: BarnacleCenturion

Why, oh why we do not shoot those pirates...is beyond me.


42 posted on 04/10/2009 10:15:34 AM PDT by LadyPilgrim ((Lifted up was He to die; It is finished was His cry; Hallelujah what a Savior!!!!!! ))
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To: Frantzie

Thats right...Les Aspin...liberal democrat defence sec. No Armor! Now these POS are doing it again!


43 posted on 04/10/2009 10:16:05 AM PDT by blasater1960 ( Dt 30, Ps 111, The Torah is perfect, attainable, now and forever)
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To: Snickering Hound

LOL! That’s great.


44 posted on 04/10/2009 10:18:18 AM PDT by GOP_Party_Animal
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To: phormer phrog phlyer

Because the Somalis are African and Muslim. Like someone else.

Our Saudi overlords want to send a message to the world alright - a message of weakness. The Navy and military can do their job but they will not be allowed. We are serfs to our overlords the Saudis now.

We have 4 times their oil reserves but the left keeps locking up the land as USA-Saudi govt land loaded with energy to insure we remain energy serfs.


45 posted on 04/10/2009 10:20:42 AM PDT by Frantzie (Boycott GE - they own NBC, MSNBC, CNBC & Universal. Boycott Disney - they own ABC)
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To: mgc1122
““So how do they make it shoot downward? Why use a weapon they could NOT aim right?”

No, go look it up. It is NOT designed to engage close in, SURGACE targets.

You can thank the Internet for setting you straight.

But still as I said most newer ships don't have it. If they do, why not just use something more appropriate like a 50 cal bmg?

Or do you just like saying Phalanx ‘cause it is a “cool sounding name.”

I bet you wanted to say they should use a MOAB?

Sheesh!

46 posted on 04/10/2009 10:30:51 AM PDT by JSteff (It was ALL about SCOTUS. Most forget about that and HAVE DOOMED us for a generation or more.)
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To: JSteff

“No, go look it up. It is NOT designed to engage close in, SURGACE targets.”

Don’t have to look it up. Already familiar with the system and the Block 1B enhancements which do, in fact, permit accurate engagement with surface threats, and low slow flyers.

As for your solution of opening up with .50 cal, what is your contingency for night time operation with hostages in the water — at the stand off distances at play here? Hope & prayer?

Sorry, but you don’t have a clue.


47 posted on 04/10/2009 10:34:15 AM PDT by mgc1122
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To: mgc1122
“CIWS to engage small surface targets, slow-moving air targets, and helicopters.”

CIWS means CLOSE IN. Not sitting right under the railing (relatively). They are not in a helicopter or a plane.

48 posted on 04/10/2009 10:35:47 AM PDT by JSteff (It was ALL about SCOTUS. Most forget about that and HAVE DOOMED us for a generation or more.)
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To: BarnacleCenturion

Go get 'em Barry!

49 posted on 04/10/2009 10:36:52 AM PDT by China Clipper (My favorite animals usually are found next to the rice on my plate.)
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To: JSteff

“CIWS means CLOSE IN. Not sitting right under the railing (relatively). They are not in a helicopter or a plane.”

You are ignorant and I encourage you to read more, and learn more about the capabilities of systems. The upgraded Phalanx is designed to take out threats includes small,high-speed surface craft, small terrorist aircraft, helicopters and surface mines.

I’m fully confident it can be successfully be used at night on a life boat a half mile off.


50 posted on 04/10/2009 10:38:54 AM PDT by mgc1122
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To: jimbo123
Instead, Obama has assigned the FBI to negotiate a settlement with the terrorists.

Ah, yes. Taking a page out of the Bill Klintoon book after the 1993 WTC bombing. "It's a matter of law enforcement."

Good Bye, America. We hardly knew ye.

51 posted on 04/10/2009 10:40:31 AM PDT by Puppage (You may disagree with what I have to say, but I shall defend to your death my right to say it)
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To: mgc1122
"Block 1B Phalanx Surface Mode (PSUM) incorporates a side mounted Forward Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR) which enables CIWS to engage low slow or hovering aircraft and surface craft."

Bainbridge does not have CIWS at all, let alone BLK 1B.

52 posted on 04/10/2009 10:41:41 AM PDT by ETCM
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To: mgc1122
“As for your solution of opening up with .50 cal, what is your contingency for night time operation with hostages in the water — at the stand off distances at play here? Hope & prayer?:

The captive was NOT in the water that long. And a PHALANX is a better precision weapon than a seal sniper with a 50 cal rifle and a night scope?

It was night.

The clue that is missing you will find if you think situationally and realistically.

53 posted on 04/10/2009 10:42:06 AM PDT by JSteff (It was ALL about SCOTUS. Most forget about that and HAVE DOOMED us for a generation or more.)
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To: ETCS

“Bainbridge does not have CIWS at all, let alone BLK 1B.”

Wrong again. The Bainbridge does indeed have Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS).

Where do you get your information? Some Xbox game?


54 posted on 04/10/2009 10:43:15 AM PDT by mgc1122
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To: JSteff

“The captive was NOT in the water that long. And a PHALANX is a better precision weapon than a seal sniper with a 50 cal rifle and a night scope?”

ROTFLMAO ... sorry, no SEAL teams on the Bainbridge at the time of the escape.

Admit it, you’re just making this stuff up as you go along.


55 posted on 04/10/2009 10:44:52 AM PDT by mgc1122
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To: JSteff
UM... DDG - 96 is armed with a BLK 1 B, CIWS and can engage surface targets. It's been used extensively as the PRIMARY weapon for firing warning shots and disabling fire for some time now. Given the fact the CIWS is controlled by computer and/or very sophisticated optics and the .50 is only as good as the Sailor behind it... I'll take the CIWS. Bring it Skippy!
56 posted on 04/10/2009 10:46:38 AM PDT by Mathews (Ambition, absent a moral compass, is naked destruction.)
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To: mgc1122

Thanks for educating this guy. I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, “Research first... post later!”


57 posted on 04/10/2009 10:49:54 AM PDT by Mathews (Ambition, absent a moral compass, is naked destruction.)
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To: Mathews

“Thanks for educating this guy. I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, “Research first... post later!””

You’re welcome. I would prefer educated posters myself and don’t mind sharing what I know.


58 posted on 04/10/2009 10:51:36 AM PDT by mgc1122
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To: JSteff; mgc1122
Dude (JSeff)... you are making an a$$ out of yourself. I just retired form the Navy and can tell you we do have these weapons and we do use them. What is your deal?
59 posted on 04/10/2009 10:52:49 AM PDT by Mathews (Ambition, absent a moral compass, is naked destruction.)
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To: ETCS

DDG-96 does have CIWS.

R/

GMC(SW)


60 posted on 04/10/2009 10:55:37 AM PDT by Mathews (Ambition, absent a moral compass, is naked destruction.)
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