[Tallguy]

The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, which had been on pirate-hunting duty off the coast of Somalia, has now steamed to the mouth of the Suez Canal in the Red Sea.

I know that anti-piracy ops are a secondary function for any naval warship, but to task a carrier strike group with the job is just a huge waste of resources given the Rules of Engagement.

[ThunderSleeps]

I know that anti-piracy ops are a secondary function for any naval warship, but to task a carrier strike group with the job is just a huge waste of resources given the Rules of Engagement.

You're right. That would seem to be more of a "Frigate Navy" type mission. Maybe some air support with AWACS - possibly even, gulp, land-based from our AF friends - to spot likely surface targets. What are bammy's ROE, is the Navy even allowed to approach a suspected pirate ship? Or is that maybe considered too threatening? Is he just trying to "send a message" with "a presence" there? He's real good about just being present...

[org.whodat]

But damn it they have the big “BOO” signs.

[tanknetter]

I know that anti-piracy ops are a secondary function for any naval warship, but to task a carrier strike group with the job is just a huge waste of resources given the Rules of Engagement.

Depends on what the real purpose of the mission is. If it's purely counter-piracy ops I'd agree. However, if the CSG is there for a limited duration and more to conduct "training" in a live environment, it's acceptable.

Like how, in WWII, US carriers steaming out to join the 3rd/5th fleet would detour to go bomb Wake Island.

[phormer phrog phlyer]

Concur, I did LEO ops (chased druggies)in the Caribbean in the early 90’s from Knox and Perry class frigates flying H-2’s. Pretty much a big waste of resources.

[rmlew]

No kidding. The proper response would be the use of an LHD and marines to bomb the pirate ships in port and raid the coastal villages that support for the pirates.

[Sawdring]

I know that anti-piracy ops are a secondary function for any naval warship, but to task a carrier strike group with the job is just a huge waste of resources given the Rules of Engagement.

When you spend $600 billion a year on the military you can afford to park a carrier off the coast of Somalia to hunt for guys with big foreheads driving speedboats and derelict motherships.