From this AP report, it seems clear to me that the Commander of the USS Bainbridge laid out the elements he deemed required that would justify use of the Rules of Engagements he ordered.
Officer: Split-second decision to open fire
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A U.S. military official says Navy Seals and other officers opened fire on three pirates when a Navy commander made a split-second decision that an American hostage's life was in danger.
Vice Adm. Bill Gortney also says the pirates made a ransom demand for the release of Capt. Richard Phillips.
Gortney says the pirates threatened throughout the ordeal to kill Phillips. Gortney says the pirates were armed with AK-47s and small-caliber pistols, and were pointing the AK-47s at the captain.
Gortney says the commander of the nearby USS Bainbridge believed Phillips was in "imminent danger" when he ordered sailors to fire at the armed pirates.
Gortney says the White House had given "very clear guidance and authority" that if any time the commander Capt. Phillips' life was in danger to take action to make sure it was not.
It seems to me that the Commander said the Captain was alwasy in danger, Obama finally gave the go-ahead (twice?) on Friday night to take "action" if the Captain was in danger. The Commander merely waited for and/or created the opportunity to take simultaneious sniper shots on all three pirates. The Commander did the right thing. I doubt Obama realized the situation was being set up the way it was by the Commander. He and the Navy deserve all the credit.
I agree the credit should go where it belongs and that is with the Commander and the Navy Seals..CPT Phillips is a hero also he was very brave and should get a really big raise as well as the crew on that ship..
I think if the crew on these cargo ships are not allowed to have guns the owners should spend the money to put electrical fencing around the ship and when they see that these bastards are trying to board their ship the current should be turned up enough to kill ever last one of these cut throats..and then throw them to the sharks..