[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.

[gandalftb]

BTW, the reports as given are unlikely. Look at the life boat. There is an upper hatch and side hatches, but no forward facing hatch to fire through. The two pirates that were together in an upper hatch getting fresh air were available targets from the Bainbridge.

Not so for the third. More likely an operator came up out of the water and shot the third pirate through the back hatch simutaneously with the shots fired on the topside pirates.

[WellyP]

“badda boom, badda bing”...fish food!

[Windflier]

stars and bars

I'm sure you meant Stars & Stripes, but that's ok. I think either flag would convey the same message to the pirates.