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 Phillips’s 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 ...
“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.
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