Posted on 04/12/2009 5:31:34 PM PDT by smokingfrog
US Navy snipers killed three Somali pirates who had been holding an American merchant skipper on a lifeboat last night, rescuing the hostage unharmed.
The US Navy Seals opened fire from about 25 metres away under standing orders from President Obama when they saw one of the pirates pointing an AK47 at Captain Richard Phillipss back, putting his life in imminent danger.
All three pirates were killed. A fourth, who had come aboard a nearby US warship to negotiate, was taken into custody. He was reported to be as young as 16.
Captain Phillips, a former Boston taxi driver who was taken hostage on Wednesday after the crew of his cargo ship repulsed a pirate attack, was resting comfortably on a US Navy vessel last night after talking to his wife in Vermont.
(Excerpt) Read more at timesonline.co.uk ...
So they have to denigrate the Captain, by trying to make it sound like he went from driving a taxi to being a Merchant Marine Captain. To anyone who doesn't know any better (Democrats), it will sound like getting a job as a Merchant Marine Captain is like answering an ad in the local Free Times.
The Left wing media are scumbags.
Very good shooting.
Even though the range was only 25-30 meters, consider that the lifeboat was moving in response to both the seas and to the wake of the Bainbridge. The Bainbridge was also moving in respect to the effects of the seas, but in a different fashion when compared to the lifeboat. The targets were no doubt moving as well.
Good shots, guys.
Nothing wrong with a taxi driver. It is honest work, unlike being a Somali pirate or a lying scumbag journalist. More power to Boston taxi drivers.
Will he be tried as an adult? Which college will he be enrolled into? Any with a Pirate mascot?
Nice shootin’ guys!
I wonder what they used to clip the pirates? I like to think it was something that left a really big hole in the sons-a-b**ches.
When you consider the MSM’s accuracy these days, it could be that the Somali “pirates” were all former Boston taxi drivers.
Or Minneapolis cab drivers.
I heard the Obama’s new dog Bo jumped into the frigid water and dragged the captain to safety (sarc)
Maybe this has been reported earlier, but it's the first I've seen it. In other words, the snipers got all three pirates on board the boat. I had assumed that the fourth guy was also on the boat, but scared out of his wits. Now we learn there were only three.
Good job.
From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli ...
Oh, tell me he didn't name his dog "BO" - as in Barak Obama? Little too much self-adulation there.
Dumb question, but is a "standing order" something special that has to be specifically issued by the CIC for a specific circumstance?
You said — Maybe this has been reported earlier, but it’s the first I’ve seen it. In other words, the snipers got all three pirates on board the boat. I had assumed that the fourth guy was also on the boat, but scared out of his wits. Now we learn there were only three.
—
Well, what the commander did was get one of the pirates to agree to come on board, ostensibly for “negotiating”. That was a ruse to make it so that there was one less target to deal with. So, the negotiating allowed them time to assess the situation and gather intel and see what their defenses were. Remember, the Navy sent out a small boat, earlier to test their defenses.
Next, after getting one pirate on board, they also were trying to “be the nice guys” to the pirates and they offered to “tow” them. And the pirates agreed to the tow. So, the Navy set up a short tow line (makes for better shooting, doncha know) and started towing those pirates (down to only three in the lifeboat now...).
After everything was “set up”, all they did was wait for a good shot for *all* of the pirates to be visible at once. They saw their shot and they took it.
End of story... :-)
This had nothing to do with the usurper. Blackfive gives the real story.
Let me fix that:
The US Navy Seals opened fire from about 25 meters away when they got a clear head shot on each pirate. To cover their asses concerning ROE they noted that one of the pirates was pointing an AK47 at Captain Richard Phillipss back, thus putting his life in imminent danger, and neatly satisfying the silly rules put on the engagement by Lord Zero.
Three Somali pirates dead ????????? All I need to say is, “And NOTHING of value was lost.”
Not a dumb question at all, especially when the professional readers are being deliberately ambiguous.
Click the link in post 15 for clarification of your question.
Snipers from 25 meters? Hmm. Anyway, the Captain is free and congratulations to the Seals! Job well done.
The dog’s named for Bo Diddley.
I must admit that I kind of like this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HICsPNm2ARY&feature=related
“Will he be tried as an adult? Which college will he be enrolled into? Any with a Pirate mascot?”
In the tradition of the Taliban mouthpiece, this kid probably already has a full ride at Yale lined up.
Thursday, April 09, 2009 9:58:45 AM · 23 of 24
BluH2o to Federalist Patriot
What we need are three or four Marine snipers on a Navy vessel within 500 yards of the pirates life boat. Each sniper is assigned a target and they shoot precisely at the same time. Kill the pirates closest to the hostage first and tap any remaining pirates not killed in the initial shoot next.
This was complicated by the fact that the life boat was enclosed (which I was unaware of at the time) but they managed to work out that small problem.
Freed again? This must be the 25th time here on FR!
The skill level between the pirates and the Navy SEAL Team is so unevenly matched it’s actually pretty funny. I am quite sure those pirates never even saw what was coming those few moments before the rescue, lol.
I was thinking the same thing. It also shows how much confidence the Skipper had in the Seals’ shooting ability.
Now watch Obama take action against the Skipper.
BO stands for Body Oder.
the navy has snipers that operate FROM the ship? really?
damn fine shooting
the navy has snipers that operate FROM the ship? really?.
.
My understanding is they have always had on-board marksmen. It is the reason for the cross braid on the top of Marines’ covers, so they wouldn’t be hit by friendly fire in close quarters hand to hand fighting to repel boarders.
New 50 cal. sniper rifle? They are very potent!
I hold taxi drivers in FAR greater esteem than sneering “news reporters”.
..Might be new news to some FRs. 25th time you posted about 25th time that this was announced on FR. Ya might want to find time fer,,, counting stars in the sky, start with 10 to the infinity power and get back on the next time this is discussed...
Should have “accidentally” slit his throat and tossed him overboard. Nobody would have noticed.
According to NYT, “President Obama had authorized the use of force if Capt. Richard Phillips was believed to be in danger, so U.S. snipers fired when the pirates aimed an automatic rifle at their hostage.”
Excuse me for asking, but wouldn’t use of force be authorized under all circumstances? Even a 4 year old knows that pirates are hung if they are caught.
“From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli ...”
Yes, yes, as a former US Marine I kept thinking, in the back of my mind, that the US Marines had to have something to do with this rescue.
The US Navy relies on Marines for security and offensive missions.
Thank you Marines, you are my brothers, and I am proud.
Will he be tried as an adult? Which college will he be enrolled into? Any with a Pirate mascot?
The Oakland Raiders new water boy.
And thank YOU, former Marine. We love you guys, depend on you all to protect us. I was so proud today to read of this. I suspect there is a lot we’ll never hear that was even more stupendous.
..US lawyers jetting...
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Bet your Bippy they were already there.
Lets see now, we have probably cost the families of the deceased BILLIONS in speculated earnings and look for a disbarred lawyer like WJC to be there to teach them how to properly use English (American) words like is etc....
Heard a snippet on radio this PM and our “glorious leader” praised the Captain and thanked him...the portion the station played left out any praise or thanks to the USN (not that he sent any their way)
This was obviously a long time ago, as in recent years you'd have to look real hard for a taxi driver with a name like Phillips.
If I am ever taken hostage, the Times of London will note that I am a former dishwasher.
better than a certain mass. senator naming his dog splash..
God Bless our military!
no dogs ,pork, or booze in your luggage, infidel.
I’m sure the US will be accused of violating at least half a dozen UN resolutions in killing the pirates.
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