Posted on 04/12/2009 7:10:30 AM PDT by pabianice
Fox just interviewed off screen a former SEAL regarding why the Somali pirates are being allowed to take the kidnapped US merchant captain to Somalia. In his words, 'this is not an operational issue.' In other words, Obama is ordering that no action be taken until he can get permission from the 'international community.' The SEAL noted that they have been training for just this situation since 1981.
Meanwhile, the French rescue their people.
I joined in '83 and heard from some of the SNCO's stories exactly like this. It happened to the active-duty Marines as well. I don't think the average American has any idea how dysfunctional our military was at the end of 1980. It was so underfunded, it was treasonous. It took Reagan really his entire presidency to fix what Carter had broken in just four years.
I'm of the opinion there aren't any good military options at this point. However, the Navy can't allow the lifeboat to reach the shore, nor can it allow any other vessel to reinforce it.
I don't have any LE experience, but I'm guessing if the police had a hostage situation contained, like a carjacked van with one hostage in side, the last thing they would allow is the kidnapper to move - period. I would think the same would apply here. Attacking it may be foolish, but allowing it to leave the are in which you control the environment and the initiative would be much more foolish.
I do believe you’re right.
From the second link above the lifeboat contains sufficient buoyant oars to make headway in calm seas. But to row it appears that they will have to open the hatchets which will make it easier for your pal's colleagues to take the pirates out.
Actually, if the motor had been running the easiest way to handle the situation may have been to close the ventilation valve from outside.
From the manual: "Natural ventilation is achieved via an automatic valve located on the aft of superstructure. The valve will be above water in all heeling conditions (0-180 degrees). The valve also prevents the cabin from becoming dangerously under-pressured while the engine is running. ".
Remember the Chinese submarine disaster a few years ago? If not ask the submariners on FR.
Fox and CNN reportingg he has been freed with three off four pirates KIA.
With all due respect, KIA is a designation for soldiers. 'Three of four pirates exterminated' might be more accurate.
Died of lead poisoning ?
Navy and Navy SEALs another job well done!!!! Thank you!
Thank you U.S. Navy and Navy SEALs. Job well done!
HA! You Americans can't do nothing, I KILL YOU!
...What?
Not at all ........SEAL’s live for this stuff. They are on a leash. Stir in FiBi’s BS and the politics and they are chained, tied down and gagged and hidden in a conex below deck IMO !
Think wag the dog !..........look beyond the story.
The Fresh Prince of Bill Ayers is up to no good as usual....
Do you really think that Obama wouldn’t listen to the experts on this? As much as I dislike his policies the rhetoric on this issue has been ridiculous (won’t fight his muzzie brothers, will surrender to the pirates, etc.) This kind of crap just makes FR look like a bunch of yahoos. I’m proud of what our Navy has just done, I don’t care who the CIC is.
The ex-Seal can say what he wants but getting the captain back alive (if that is the highest priority) can be a real problem. That is a covered boat. It can be done but they better plan real well. I would not under estimate these feral critters
SO MUCH FOR YOUR LINE OF THINKING.
merican captain rescued, pirates killed, U.S. official says
CNN ^ | April 12, 2009 | CNN
Posted on Sunday, April 12, 2009 12:45:31 PM by libstripper
The captain of the Maersk Alabama was freed Sunday after being held captive since Wednesday by pirates off the coast of Somalia, a senior U.S. official with knowledge of the situation told CNN.
The official said Capt. Richard Phillips is uninjured and in good condition, and that three of the four pirates were killed. The fourth pirate is in custody. Phillips was taken aboard the USS Bainbridge, a nearby naval warship.
Earlier Sunday afternoon Maersk Line Limited, owner of the Maersk Alabama, said the U.S. Navy informed the company that it had sighted Phillips in a lifeboat where pirates are holding him.
I’m glad our guy is out and safe. Congrats to the SEALs. Looks like the ex-SEAL was right: it sounds like it was a pretty trivial operation for them.
there will be a picture of obama’s pecs now to show what a stud he is
every terrorist knows who to call
I'm not into Obama’s pecs....all the MSM slobbering gets me nauseous. Me, I was and am a Rummy fan. ; )
I will give credit to Obama...he let the Military do what they do best - WIN.
I guess we’re just gettin’ old FRiend........(sigh)
0bama just thinks it's soooo cooool to be President.
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