[Canticle_of_Deborah]

The Admiral at the Pentagon news conference was very clear. (1) Obama signed nothing, made no calls. (2) the Navy acted on “existing authorities” to take out the pirates if the hostage was in imminent danger, The Navy said they interpreted the pointing of a gun at the hostage as “imminent danger.” (and they finally had clear shots.

Thanks. I choose to believe the Navy rather than media spin.

[gandalftb]

Good post. Tactically, you keep the CIC informed with after-action reports, whatever that action is. It is impossible to rely on direct command from the CIC in such a fluid situation. The ROE (Rule of Engagement) is established as soon as the tactical situation is understood and assets are in place. The ROE and any chain of command necessary to implement the ROE is briefed right down to the operators.

In this case it certainly relied on the opportunity of targets, ROE in place.

Two of the three targets had their heads close together, out of the upper hatch getting fresh air. The third was keeping watch, when he distanced from the Captain, badda boom, badda bing. A relatively straight forward op.

Certainly, from now on the safest flagged vessels in the world will carry the stars and bars. As it should be.