GOT 'EM!

By Lt Col P

And got him as well!

No sooner were the trons dry on one of my best screeds (below) than I turned back to FoxNews.com, and saw this lovely headline-- Ship Captain Rescued From Somali Pirates.

American sea Captain Richard Phillips was safely rescued from four Somali pirates Sunday, a U.S. intelligence official said.
Three of the pirates were killed and one was in custody after what appeared to be a swift firefight off the Somali coast, the official said.

Initial reports indicate Phillips jumped overboard for a second time and the military was able to take advantage of the situation.

Bravo to you, Captain Phillips, and welcome to safety! That man has nerve and spirit. It takes guts to jump into the open ocean and swim for your life, especially in shark-infested waters.

No details on how the fight progressed, or what they're going to do with the fourth pirate who (unfortunately) survived. Hang his khat-addled heathen ass from the nearest yardarm! Then ram a piece of ham down his throat and toss him overboard, the fucking savage.

This ended well, but I stand by my words. WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO TO MAKE SURE THIS NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN. Mr President, the world will be watching.

April 12, 2009 10:10 AM

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Comments

Suggestion for the next Monte Python reunion: "Oh no sir, the pirates aren't dead! They are just...resting."

Tregonsee · April 12, 2009 11:42 AM

go navy and captain philips

mindy1 · April 12, 2009 12:00 PM

While I understand the screech; this was a situation that required patience. Contact me off line I will provide some insights.

Anonymous · April 12, 2009 12:37 PM

Please consider the response of the president—cool, calm, measured, with no grandstanding (at least not yet, let’s hope). He did exactly what he needed to: gave operational control to those people in best postion to carry out policy—in the dark shadows of some miserable corner of the world, by a group of the most highly trained individuals around.
Personally, I do not care if the Navy shells the towns these people are based out of—killing every single man, woman, and child. Or, if you wish, allow the Air Force to attempt to recreate Dresden. Not even a crocadile tear. Unfortuantely, I think that would only create more problems.
There are pirates in the Bahamas, Cental and South America, and in the Straights of Indonesia. The Somali story is hot right now, just like shark attacks off Florida a couple of years ago. The US is doing exactly what it should, leading a group of nations (from the front) in common goals, i.e. open seas and open trade. As much as I like to beat up on the French (e.g. “cheese eating surrender monkeys”) they have also been out front on this issue. Do we really want to go it alone again on the ground in Somalia?
I think your comparison of the president to the Carter administration was unfair. Give the guy a chance, he may surprise you.
And yes, in my time, I was the barracks liberal. We all managed to get along though. I enjoy reading your blog daily.

LBL '94 · April 12, 2009 12:45 PM

Initial reports say that the CO of the Destroyer was the one who made the split second decision to rescue the Captain.(He is actually quoted stating this I believe.)

But now all the networks are saying that apparently Obama ordered the rescue personally and they dropped the whole split second decision by the CO.

J.B. · April 12, 2009 08:40 PM

The stupid administrations ROE were what prevented the Navy from doing anything when he first jumped or when the Navy was fired upon by the pirates.

He did apparently relax the ROE to 'imminent threat' allowing them to shoot when he jumped. That was nice of him. But now there'll be an investigation into whether or not we violated the pirates rights and their 'murderers' by the Seals or Marines.

Judge · April 13, 2009 05:59 AM

A nice bit of shooting.

Mule · April 13, 2009 01:21 PM

I think Obama should thank God for the crew of the Alabama , for what they did! Imagine a hostage situation with 21 Americans and their ship held in somalia. I seem to remember another hostage situation in 1979 and what it did to a presidency.
Plus after Obama's I love the world tour a few days earlier, there would be egg all over his face.

mustang · April 13, 2009 04:15 PM