US Navy and Pirates

[KestrelBuck]

In case you missed it there was a documentary on Spike TV about the US Navy Pirate Hunters. You can get the videos here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFETj2MRGOw

Among the many striking things in the one segment that I watched is how young the sailors are and their level of professionalism.

During WWII my Dad was a Lt in the Navy. My Grandfather was a Captain at that time, and retired as an Admiral. My uncle was a career marine. Two other uncles served in Korea. As I watched the video I recalled that my Dad, my uncles, and Grandfather were also very young when they were on active duty.

For all that I have accomplished in my life, I was never in the military. Some of my high school classmates went to Annapolis and West Point, then on to SE Asia. To be perfectly honest, I am not sure that I could do what they did or what these kids are doing out on the coast of Somalia every day.

This video is as much about the modern Navy as it is a tribute to our parents and grandparents, and to our peers who may have been in the military. After all, military training involves, at least in part, the passing down of tradition from one generation to the next.

Anyway, be safe out there on the water. Remember, the USCG and Navy are trying to keep things safe for all of us recreational boaters.

[goboatingnow]

Just to bring a little balance, Taskforce 151, is not specifcially American led. It command has alternated between it and the Turkish navy and the Korean Navy. its is currently commanded by Pakistan Navy Cdre. Abdul Aleem

Taskforce 151 is an alternatove to EU NAVFOR, the EU's task force in the area.

see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN3h-io8f2w

done in the usual slightly less "gung ho" style

Heres to all teh personell and navies there

Dave

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Taskforce 151 is an alternatove to EU NAVFOR, the EU's task force in the area.

I didn't even know the EU had a task force

But I do get lost in the alphabet soup that is Modern Warfare

[amytom]

Just watched the whole set of videos.

Things sure have changed since we did the boardings in the northern Red Sea during Gulf War 1. Back then if they ran we would put a couple of 5"/.54 rounds through their hull. Why waste time prosecuting?

Sure would be a shame if the ones that we had to turn loose happen to forget to take their fuel with them. Maybe let the sea take care of them then?

[Rossmonty01]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Just to bring a little balance, Taskforce 151, is not specifcially American led. It command has alternated between it and the Turkish navy and the Korean Navy. its is currently commanded by Pakistan Navy Cdre. Abdul Aleem

Taskforce 151 is an alternatove to EU NAVFOR, the EU's task force in the area.

done in the usual slightly less "gung ho" style

Heres to all teh personell and navies there

Dave

The Austalian Navy has a presence there for the last 4 plus years as well

[genomic]

Originally Posted by amytom

Just watched the whole set of videos.

Things sure have changed since we did the boardings in the northern Red Sea during Gulf War 1. Back then if they ran we would put a couple of 5"/.54 rounds through their hull. Why waste time prosecuting?

I wasn't there, so am not aware of the methods you used to determine if they were criminals or enemy combatants. Surely 'running' would be an insufficient determinant to sink their boat and possibly kill them (without knowing who was on board - surely some may have been 'bad guys', but how could you tell it wasn't just fishermen, even families who just ran due to perhaps a justified fear?).

[VirtualVagabond]

Originally Posted by Rossmonty01

The Austalian Navy has a presence there for the last 4 plus years as well

Yeah, and it's embarrassing.
This week they rescued the crew of a captured Yemeni vessel. Sounded strange but that is what the radio report said. Which was great.

Then they threw the pirates' weapons into the sea, made sure they had enough food and water to get back to land, and sent them on their way!

I'm sure those naughty pirate boys have learned their lesson and will never do that again!
Or was it that they were bullied as kids, and now we must just be a bit understanding.... SHEESH!

Is Gillard... (Gallah...rd) our commander in chief like in the USA?