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David Stanley Ford

How Navy rescued captain held hostage by pirates
Obama ordered action if life was in danger

BY THE Associated Press    Comments Comment on this article93
Published: April 13, 2009

MOMBASA, Kenya — The lifeboat containing the tied-up hostage captain of the Maersk Alabama had been bobbing in the water for five days, stalked by a flotilla of U.S. warships.

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AP Raw Video: Rescued Captain Aboard US Navy Ship


AP Video: 'A Glorious Day' As Captain Rescued


AP Video: Maersk: Captain Grateful to U.S. Navy


AP Video: Captain's Family: 'Truly a Very Happy Easter'


AP Video: US Navy: Rescued Capt. Was in Imminent Danger


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There was no end in sight to the standoff between a small band of pirates and the U.S. Navy. Talks between the two sides to negotiate the hostage’s release seemed to get nowhere.

Quietly, the White House had laid down rules of engagement for officers on the destroyer USS Bainbridge: If the captain’s life is in danger, attack.

At the end of the fifth day, the waters in the Gulf of Aden dark and choppy, the Americans on the Bainbridge peered at the lifeboat and saw something new happening. One of the pirates had an AK-47 aimed at the captain’s back.

Navy snipers on the destroyer’s fantail took aim at the pirates’ heads and shoulders. The commander gave the split-second order: Fire. All three pirates were picked off. The captain was safe.

It was the culmination of five days of international tension and gamesmanship on the high seas. At stake was the life of a 53-year-old, no-nonsense sea captain from Vermont who volunteered himself as a hostage to save his crew.

Unsuccessful attempt
It was early Wednesday, so early that some of the Alabama’s crew of 20 were still in their bunks. The pirates, four Somalis, tossed the hooks over the stern of the ship, hoisted themselves aboard and began firing into the air.

As they shot, Phillips told his crew to lock themselves in a cabin. He surrendered himself as a hostage to keep his men safe, the crew said.

On Wednesday, the Navy sent a destroyer, the USS Bainbridge, chugging toward the Maersk Alabama. By Thursday, its crew, coached by FBI hostage negotiators, was talking to the pirates.

If the military tried to attack, the bandits said, they would kill Phillips.

It was about midnight on the ocean, Thursday turning to Friday, when Phillips made a break for it.

He jumped out of the lifeboat and began to swim for his life. One of the captors fired an automatic weapon. Phillips swam back to the lifeboat.

Broadened orders
It was early Friday night in Washington, Saturday morning over the Indian Ocean, when President Barack Obama authorized the Defense Department to use military force to rescue the sea captain, said administration officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

And as the standoff entered its fourth day, the president broadened the order so that it encompassed more military personnel and other equipment that had arrived in the Indian Ocean.

It was Saturday evening when the National Security Council presented the president its last update on its plans for rescuing Phillips.

In the Indian Ocean, negotiations between the Navy and the pirates were not going well.

In the darkened seas, the crew of the Bainbridge, roughly 100 feet away from the bobbing lifeboat, could see that the pirates had tied Phillips up.

Then, late Sunday morning Central time, early evening on the water, they saw something else: One of the pirates was aiming at Phillips’ back. The commander of the Bainbridge gave the order for Navy snipers to fire.

All three pirates on the lifeboat were killed. Phillips was spirited to safety.

Presidential calls
At the White House, Obama was in the residence when he took a telephone call from an aide: The standoff was over. Phillips was safe.

The captain, in a call to the president of Maersk Line Limited, deflected praise.

"I’m just the byline,” he said, according to the company. "The real heroes are the Navy, the Seals, those who have brought me home.”

He was flown from the Bainbridge to the USS Boxer, where he took a call from the president. Obama placed a call to Underhill to speak to Phillips’ wife. And not far from the Phillips’ home, the roadside sign was changed by Sunday afternoon.

It said, "CAPT PHILLIPS RESCUED AND SAFE.”

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David Stanley Ford


Related Topics: Armed Forces, Pirates


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Technology is changing - maybe they will go with more unmanned aircraft in the future instead?
Lawerence, Oklahoma City - Apr 14, 2009 at 12:56 am
Outlaw, you are wrong, there are cuntries that have the ability and there are countries doing anything they can to obtain the ability. You think NK would hesitate to fire missles at the USA if they had the ability? They don't care about the USA'a ability to fire back because they don't fear dying. Also, what does it matter if their missles are not perfectly accurate - what if a missle headed for Anchorage lands 50 miles away with a nuclar warhead? What if they get off 4-5 misles? What about the nuclear fallout over the next 10-50 years? What would happen to the confidence of our country and our security? Iraq was well on its way to obtaining the technology, and they had every intention of either using that technology or using it to threaten us. Even a country without the technology could obtain one by buying it or stealing it these days. We must develop a missle defense system and secure our borders for our security. On another note: We would save a lot of American lives in Iraq if we let the Iraq police/army police its own street now. The US will never fly those military units back to the US, so why would we give another country armored vehicles which could be used against us years down the road? We need planes to replace our aging fleet and increase our technology. Why so many: we have two coasts, we have aircraft carriers, we have bases around the world, and a percentage of them will be down for maintenance at any given time. It doesn't matter what the near future holds in our eyes, we prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Iran is not our friend and could escalate at any time.
Lawerence, Oklahoma City - Apr 14, 2009 at 12:55 am
A job well done with a touch of good luck. I mention “job” as it was the “job” of all involved, from the lowest to the highest.
citizen, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 8:44 pm
A job well done with a touch of good luck. I mention “job” as it was the “job” of all involved, from the lowest to the highest.
citizen, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 8:44 pm
BTW Cletus, Levin is not a reporter or journalist. He is a commentator. He comments and so does not have to provide sources. His comment at this point is no more credible than me saying Cheney is plotting a coup and installing himself as president for life.
John, Norman - Apr 13, 2009 at 6:33 pm
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James, quit using word trickery!
John, Norman - Apr 13, 2009 at 6:28 pm
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Brock how many lives would have been saved had money been spent on armored vehicles? Just think of the massive waste of money spent on privatizing what were once DoD functions. It was box cutters that brought down the twin towers, not missiles. You have to use limited funds wisely as you are never going to eliminate all threats. In what kind of war do you see a need for more than 187 F-22's? I see the vision articulated by Gates as one that is forward looking, not one that is looking backwards. Iran? You can't be serious. I see nothing but low level conflicts for our future, such as Afghanistan. That is what Gates sees and in fact what Rumsfeld saw, but was overridden by the military industrial complex. You know, the one Ike warned us about.
John, Norman - Apr 13, 2009 at 6:22 pm
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And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
James, Norman - Apr 13, 2009 at 6:21 pm
" trying to impose it's point of view on everyone"--Yeah, YOU never do such a thing, do you??
paul, yukon - Apr 13, 2009 at 6:08 pm
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Thanks for putting it in the context of where the comment came from.
John, Norman - Apr 13, 2009 at 6:04 pm
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John, just heard it on the Mark Levin show, didn't catch where his source is but he's pretty tweaked about it.
Cletus, Mayberry - Apr 13, 2009 at 5:46 pm
amen John in Norman!
Michael, Oklahoma City - Apr 13, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Cletus, who were the attorney's? Who reported this story? What kind of document was this? You are doing a disservice without providing any independent verification or source of such a claim.
John, Norman - Apr 13, 2009 at 5:29 pm
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"It's kind of amusing that some of those on the left have a point of view of how America should be and will do all that they can to impose it on those who disagree". Kind of like putting up the 10 commandments on the capitol grounds, allowing weapons on college campuses even though the students and administrators don't want them, mandating the pledge of allegiance, etc. Hello Kettle....
John, Norman - Apr 13, 2009 at 5:25 pm
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While you people scream like little girls at a Jonas Brothers concert about what Obama did, it's just been reported that he had to get permission from his lawyers and sign a document in order to get authorization to order the rescue...apparently since this isn't part of a war we now have to use attorneys to get authorization to rescue a hostage being held from another nation. Thank God we didn't have people like this during WWII, we would have been held up from invading Normandy because the barbed wire posed an occupational hazard and the lawyers wouldn't want Roosevelt liable for any cuts during the invasion.
Cletus, Mayberry - Apr 13, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Outlaw, wouldn't you consider Iran in that catagory as well? They have the capability to make Europe and Israel vulnerable right now with other levels coming soon. They did just launch a missile delivery system satellite a couple of months ago so their ability level is greatly improved. Wouldn't that be enough to go ahead with our agreements with others and ourselves to install missile defense? We were making great strides in the system. Besides, if they were to nuke somebody, I'd bet Russia and China would step in and say "Hold on with that retaliation". They do have intricate ties and many dealings with the terrorists in Iran. Btw, the missile launch by NK was farther than their previous, making Alaska and Hawaii within reach and most notably it flew directly over Japan. Granted it wasn't necessarily on target that we know of, but it went up without a hitch nonetheless. Wouldn't it be much better to pursue a defensive system that makes ICBM's useless? Look, I understand that not all systems are worthy and we can't fund them all. However, I think Obama's wishes to disarm the entire world of nukes by taking us down first is foolish and dumping our ability to defend ourselves against incoming missiles is the equivalent to closing our eyes to reality.
Brock, Beaver - Apr 13, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Brock - I understand that missile defense is a hot topic but if recent events teach us anything it's that warfare has changed. The chance of a rogue nation firing a nuclear missile at us slim to none since our nuclear arsenal would obliterate that country from the face of the earth. North Korea is the only country I can think of that would fit into the description you provided and they're a joke. They're missile test's are a pitiful cry for attention akin to Jason from Edmond's egotistical/childish rants.
Outlaw, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Thank you, Don. You are quite right about the left trying to impose it's point of view on everyone. Now, I'm off - have a great afternoon, folks & even savants!
Jason, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Michael, I have commented on precisely *two* stories on this site today - TWO. Yesterday, I commented on precisely *one*, IIRC. Over the weekend, I commented on *none* - I wasn't even in town. That's hardly commenting on "every political story on this site."
Jason, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 4:36 pm
It's kind of amusing that some of those on the left have a point of view of how America should be and will do all that they can to impose it on those who disagree. Jason, Edmond, I agree with most of your posts and say more power to you.
Don, Duncan - Apr 13, 2009 at 4:32 pm
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Jason, your wit, knowledge, and sarcasm are not lost on any of us, and certainly not me. How could we be, we are subjected to your drivel on nearly every political story on this site. You remind me of my Grandmother's philosophy that some people are educated beyond their intelligence.
Michael, Oklahoma City - Apr 13, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Michael thanks for the encouragement and with the "commander in chief" we now have, we will need it from time to time. Unlike you, I really don't have to hate someone I disagree with. Democrats get the option of making up truth as they go and I can see how that would be very helpful. Obama keeps out of the way on one incident and the left thinks he is Napoleon. I am glad he stayed out of the seals way, because he could have called the mission off and he didn't. You are right about the fact that there is little Obama can that will change my mind unless he denounces everything he has stood for to this point. He has a little too much William Ayers and Rev Wright ingrained in him for me to support him. I also have a hard time following him, beacuse he consistently lies!
BILLY, MUSTANG - Apr 13, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Precisely what I was talking about: Michael makes my points for me. Calling someone a "fascist" because you disagree with their politics is a dishonest way to debate, Michael. Saying someone "hates" a politician just because they dislike his policies is a dishonest way to debate, Michael. Playing word games is a dishonest way to debate, Michael. You do not "debate" in an honest way that most decent people do, Michael, therefore no one deigns to take you seriously. Your own worst enemy is your semi-coherent rants and endless strawmen - those tactics impress no one, believe it or not.
Jason, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 4:25 pm
The shoes fit, Michael - have fun trying them on (and anyone who has yet to figure out that I use the term "savant" in the most sarcastic of ways is simply braindead. Context is not most of these moron's strong suits, however).
Jason, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Michael, Oklahoma City: I *VOTED* for Obama, savant. Granted, it was more of a protest vote against McCain the phony conservative, but I certainly don't "hate" President Obama or anyone else, for that matter. I *DISAGREE* with many things he does - there is a difference that you simply don't grasp. I can't remember the last time I listened to talk radio. Again, you refuse to engage in an honest debate - just set up strawmen and knock them down. But keep typing: most of us will keep laughing. I know I will.
Jason, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Jason's words of the week: strawman and savant
Michael, Oklahoma City - Apr 13, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Brock, Billy, & to some extent Jason......we get it, you hate Obama. Your ad nauseum posts regarding your hatred are crystal clear. nothing I can type here will change your minds. You guys watch fox news, you listen to Hannity and Limbaugh, you voted for McCain, and in your minds you cannot handle the fact that your side lost the last election. You are typical republican sheep, drinkers of the right wing kool-aid, and you see your grip on power diminishing each and every day. I understand where you are coming from. I just lived through eight years of the absolute worst presidency in our nation's history in my opinion, and I know how it feels to be on the losing side of an election. Trust me guys, you will persevere, you will continue to march in goose step with Herr Limbaugh, and you will continue to spout your outdated right wing drivel, and I will sit here and smile. Hold your heads up guys!
Michael, Oklahoma City - Apr 13, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Thank you, BILLY, your commentaries add value to these articles, too. jennifer, if you're a bit confused about Michael's post, I don't blame you: the questioning of his "patriotism" is Michael's obsessive strawman. Here's how a typical discusion with Michael goes in these forums: Poster A - "I disagree with this action/policy/statement by the Obama administration." Poster Michael - "You're a radical fascist posting drivel." Poster A - "Disagreement with this particular action/policy/statement by the Obama administration does not make me a radical fascist, nor does my it make my opinon 'drivel', Michael. I simply disagree, and here's why: ------" Poster Michael - "Quit questioning my patriotism!!!!!!111" The fact that no one is questioning his "patriotism" is irrelevant: it's Michael's fallback position and most cherished strawman, and he spends a good deal of time here tuckering himself out swatting it down.
Jason, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 4:13 pm
"blah, blah, blah.-Jason, Edmond "--Speaking of blah blah blah Jason.....you've very little room to talk....
paul, yukon - Apr 13, 2009 at 4:12 pm
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"Why anyone is wasting time with phony vet "paul, yukon," semi-literate soccer mom liberal "Maria," or Habbanna Inn regular "Outlaw" is beyond me: they simply have nothing of intelligent value to offer in any commentary on these articles. Don't feed the trolls.
Jason, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 3:34 pm"---Yeah--spoken by a true master of subjectivity...
paul, yukon - Apr 13, 2009 at 4:10 pm
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B, in OKC is enamoured with her Inhofe canon hatred and refuses to acknowledge the truth about our cuts in our heavy weapons capability. To the delight of our large foes China and Russia, Gates, by the direction of Obama, is shrinking us into small incursion French type military. Outlaw, our nukes are no defense to rogue nations that could very likely lob missiles towards us and Europe. Missile defense should be a priority and not on the chopping block. Btw B, I have agreed with Obama just today on another subject. Heck, even a blind cat gets a mouse every once in awhile. :wink:
Brock, Beaver - Apr 13, 2009 at 4:06 pm
I support about everything Jason of Edmond has to say, and he doesn't have to embellish his facts!
BILLY, MUSTANG - Apr 13, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Thank you, jennifer.
Jason, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Excellent post B in Oklahoma City! And to Jennifer @ 3:48, you just dont get it....I ACTUALLY support this country and I disagree with most every piece of drivel that exits Jason's keyboard. That does not for a second mean that I do not think Jason doesn't support this country as well, in fact I do. Patriotism is subjective and it is not the exclusive provenance of the far right wing. Jennifer I love this country every bit as much as you claim to. Get that through your simple mind mam.
Michael, Oklahoma City - Apr 13, 2009 at 3:56 pm
"galor" = galore
Jason, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 3:54 pm
"Brock, My military family, all of whom served in multiple wars, served in multiple branches of the military -- including high-level intelligence -- all described the cuts as surgical and needed" - and I'm a brain surgeon in my spare time between flying the Space Shuttle, "B." Not really, but none of that bilge you just posted should be believed, either. I've seen you on here before making grandiose claims about your supposed clan of military heroes - except other times it's surgeons galor among your siblings and other times you're in a family of lawyers, blah, blah, blah. You change your story to fit the article, and try to add "prestige" to your opinons by claiming titles/honors you and your family no doubt do not possess. You are not credible. Please try again.
Jason, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Jason in Edmond makes three posts in a row on this story alone, and countless hundreds of other posts on other stories on this site in the past few months and he has the audacity to call someone else a troll. Laughable. Jason, if you would like to see a troll close up, take a look in the mirror.
Michael, Oklahoma City - Apr 13, 2009 at 3:48 pm
amen jason!!!!! and everyone else who accually supports this country!! GO USA AND GO US MILITARY!!!!!!
jennifer - Apr 13, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Brock,

My military family, all of whom served in multiple wars, served in multiple branches of the military -- including high-level intelligence -- all described the cuts as surgical and needed. Why are we spending so much on cannons when we don't have enough body armor for troops? It doesn't make sense. Now, the essential point: While Gates has cut weapons programs, the defense budget has been increased. Therefore, your hysterical post is wrong. I don't expect any of the hardcore GOP people here to EVER acknowledge a single positive thing this president has done or will do. Ever. Brock is an Obama-hater, and while he may occasionally make solid arguments, the fact is he will never, ever credit this president for any positive achievement. Back when Bush was in office, critics were called "unAmerican," or even worse, "traitors." Now criticizing for the sake of criticizing is accepted in whole cloth by the Obama haters. Advice: Get a life.
B, Oklahoma City - Apr 13, 2009 at 3:47 pm
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NoOceanHere, Don, Duncan, Shad, Kearney, Brock, Beaver, and Michelle, Oklahoma City - all excellent comments. Together, you've summed up my thoughts in their entirety regarding the matter. Well done.
Jason, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Joe + John + James, Norman are all one and the same poster, folks, FYI - the sad little soul sitting at that public library keyboard just switches his forum name, and has a discussion with *HIMSELF* in these comments. Pitiful.
Jason, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Why anyone is wasting time with phony vet "paul, yukon," semi-literate soccer mom liberal "Maria," or Habbanna Inn regular "Outlaw" is beyond me: they simply have nothing of intelligent value to offer in any commentary on these articles. Don't feed the trolls.
Jason, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Joe, you forgot the part where he hands out a bunch of medals to his cronies for doing a "heckuva job."
James, Norman - Apr 13, 2009 at 3:31 pm
We all klnow what "W" would've done. 1)He would have increased troop strength in Iraq by 20,00 soldiers, claiming that these Somalis were undoubtedly trained by Al Qaeda in Baghdad :) But tell us about in a prime time speech 2 months later. 2)Then he would have steathily spent 1 billion on cruise missiles to knock out all communications in Somalia, before botching the hostage negotiations with the pirates.
Joe, Norman - Apr 13, 2009 at 3:13 pm
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Of course, Obama is the hero in this story. Just ask him! He knows he's the greatest and this is just another notch in his belt. The REAL heroes are the captain and the Navy! Go USA!
Michelle, Oklahoma City - Apr 13, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Brock, Beaver - We have roughly 9600 nuclear weapons at our disposal, I think we've got the "peace through strength" military in place. If Obama makes cuts to the nuclear submarine fleet then I'll start to worry, they're the ultimate deterrent to our enemies.
Outlaw, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 2:37 pm
The difference in hypocritical lefties is that if this exact act would have happened under "W's" watch, all the left wing kooks would be screaming about our war mongering cowboy! The hypocrisy is really quite amusing! It will be interesting to see if there is anything Obama can do that the hypos will not like? With all this said...I am glad they took the shots!
BILLY, MUSTANG - Apr 13, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Michael, you are so right. When you know nothing of the military, the best thing to do is stay out of their way, and let them do what they have been trained to do. I would bet these professionals were even trained on the Obama watch. I hope he continues to let professionals do there job!
BILLY, MUSTANG - Apr 13, 2009 at 2:26 pm
You are spot on Michael. The more these right wingers complain, the more they loose creditability among independents and those in the swing states. There is also another difference between this administration and the last administration if the same thing happened. Bush would have launched an invasion on Italy.
John, Norman - Apr 13, 2009 at 2:25 pm
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NoOceanHere, put down the Tom Clancy novels and back away slowly. Now go tell your TiVo to stop recording "24" and start watching C-SPAN instead. Eventually, you'll be able to figure out the difference between fantasy and reality all on your own!
Maria - Apr 13, 2009 at 2:21 pm
the right wingers continue their drivel... President Obama has been in office for less than three months and already he has displayed the leadership that was so very lacking during the previous eight years. had this incident occured on the Bush watch, he would have been on TV every day pounding his chest and turning a realtively small crisis into a huge one. Thankfully, Obama did the right thing and kept a low profile on this issue and let the professionals do their job. Congrats to our Navy and the SEAL's in particular. Job well done!
Michael, Oklahoma City - Apr 13, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Good job Brock, I heard was an outstanding library in Beaver!
BILLY, MUSTANG - Apr 13, 2009 at 1:59 pm
B, in the city. Obama has cut the militarys spending in the heavy weapons program, rapidly undermining our missile defense system while describing a fantasy world of trust and cooperation. Everything but small incursion theatre products are taking a cut telling the world that we are more inclined to be considered a police force rather than a full fledged "peace through strength" military. Obama is the second coming of Carter. Missile defense is gone, the F-22 is scaled back, cancelled the second Airborne Laser (ABL) aircraft, no increases in Ground-based Interceptor (GBI) deployment in Alaska. Remaining silos will stay unfilled. European GBIs will be decided on later during the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), termination of the Multiple Kill Vehicle (MKV) program. The Army’s Future Combat Systems modernization program would lose its armored vehicles Plans to build a shield to defend against missile attacks by rogue states would also be scaled back. Others too numerous to mention...
Brock, Beaver - Apr 13, 2009 at 1:54 pm
I wonder how long it will take BHO to give the pirates a bailout package, so that they don't get angry and make idle threats against us. There is no way that BHO makes this call without consulting the UN first, I am guessing it took 5 days because they had to give their people time to run some polling data to see how this would affect his public opinion.
Shad, Kearney - Apr 13, 2009 at 1:38 pm
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hooyah navy
Marcus, Moore - Apr 13, 2009 at 1:23 pm
These pirates are nothing more than lowlife thugs and the fourth one should have been thrown overboard for the sharks to eat. Let the others make threats about what they intend to do next and if given the opportunity, maybe we can eliminate some more of them.
Don, Duncan - Apr 13, 2009 at 1:11 pm
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Brock,

I don't know where you get your information in BEAVER, but Obama has increased the defense budget over last fiscal year. He did scrap Inhofe's pet cannon project, though, in which 12 cannons were to be manufactured for a mere cost of $500 million.
B, Oklahoma City - Apr 13, 2009 at 1:11 pm
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Had a real man been president (say maybe Sarah Palin) 2 seconds after the Capt dove in the water off the raft, the Seals would have blasted those bafoon pirates out of the water! No, we had to let the Capt suffer a few more days so that Barry could milk the headlines. Thank God the first dog story came along right afterwards. Otherwise, the media may have accidently let the goods go on this story, then some of the BO lemings may have started to realize they've been duped.
NoOceanHere, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 1:09 pm
brock, now, aren't you the first one who would have blasted Obama if this thing didn't go right? Responsibility goes both ways. Bush would have delegated this decision, also. Commander in Chief always depends on professional advice.
Joe, Norman - Apr 13, 2009 at 1:06 pm
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Good point, Billy. He more than likely delegated this decision. On the outset, it appears Obama is a supporter. He enjoys the limelight that comes with good news. However, behind the scenes he is gutting the military that produces these heros.
Brock, Beaver - Apr 13, 2009 at 12:52 pm
James, are you joking??
Joe, Norman - Apr 13, 2009 at 12:41 pm
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Thanks Obama for staying out of the way of our professionals and letting them do their job.
BILLY, MUSTANG - Apr 13, 2009 at 12:20 pm
If this mission had failed, Obama would have taken the heat, as he personally OK'd the mission. Thanks to the Seals for an incredible performance, and Capt. Phillips for his bravery. Thanks to Obama for showing political courage in this situation. He made the right call and deserves a lot of the credit.
B, Oklahoma City - Apr 13, 2009 at 12:17 pm
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I put Paul on ignore a long time ago Greg.....reading his posts put me to sleep.
Sallie, Del City - Apr 13, 2009 at 11:39 am
david-may I suggest the ignore button for Paul-it makes life so much better.
Greg, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 11:32 am
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FO paul
david, Newcastle - Apr 13, 2009 at 10:39 am
"Estimates vary, but from 46 to 56 percent of Somalia's land area can be considered permanent pasture. About 14 percent is classified as forest. Approximately 13 percent is suitable for cultivation, but most of that area would require additional investments in wells and roads for it to be usable."--Sorta reminds me of oklahoma....
paul, yukon - Apr 13, 2009 at 10:34 am
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Thank you Sallie. Its amazing that, no matter the situation, there is always some stooge apologist looking to make America out to be the bad guy. These people are nothing more than thieves - plain and simple.
Denver, Centennial - Apr 13, 2009 at 10:27 am
Pretty good article overall, but I had to laugh at the vision of a destroyer "chugging" to the scene. I've served on destroyers and they are the jacks of all trades in the Navy, but I never saw one chug anywhere. Hahaha!!!
Earl, Oklahoma City - Apr 13, 2009 at 10:25 am
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"Because they've been robbing the Somalis of their seafood for years now. "--Can't recall ever seeing a container ship harvesting seafood.....
paul, yukon - Apr 13, 2009 at 10:16 am
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“Somalia is not well-endowed with natural resources that can be profitably marketed internationally, and at independence the economic infrastructure was poorly developed. Throughout all three eras in postindependence Somalia, officials had sought, with mixed results, to develop the economic infrastructure……The Siad Barre regime also took action regarding the water system. In northern Somalia from 1988 to 1991, the government destroyed almost all pumping systems in municipal areas controlled by the Somali National Movement (SNM) or failing that, stole the equipment. In rural areas, the government poisoned the wells by either inserting animal carcasses or engine blocks that leaked battery acid. As a result, northern Somalis had to rely on older gravity water systems, use poor quality water, or buy expensive water…… Estimates vary, but from 46 to 56 percent of Somalia's land area can be considered permanent pasture. About 14 percent is classified as forest. Approximately 13 percent is suitable for cultivation, but most of that area would require additional investments in wells and roads for it to be usable. The remaining land is not economically exploitable……uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt, natural gas, likely oil reserves are their natural resources”……..So what exactly is there to plunder?......For them to exploit or develop any resource would require that they stop butchering their own populace or killing them through starvation......Again, plunder what? Ridiculous statement all the way around......Minute men and patriot do not usually remove body parts from those who oppose them, however nasty little pirates might....pppptttt
Sallie, Del City - Apr 13, 2009 at 10:09 am
Finally Danny came through for me. You know the ransoms are going to bin Laden. These pirates need to be wiped out. As far as Somalia, please US, just take care of the pirates and don't try to set up and police a new government. Let us keep our eye on the ball.
bob, anadarko - Apr 13, 2009 at 9:27 am
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James, they definitely have three less minutemen this morning. These poor misunderstood souls got exactly what they deserved.
BILLY, MUSTANG - Apr 13, 2009 at 9:24 am
"Give it up to Obama"? What a courageous order, to fire at foreign pirates with a U.S. hostage. Outlaw, you have to be kidding me (along with yourself). That call was an easy, sure bet, like saying he wishes world peace or an end to hunger. I am impressed with U.S. military intelligence and prowess. That deserves support (money) which Osama seeks to significantly decrease.
Teamless, In Seattle - Apr 13, 2009 at 9:20 am
Are they truly pirates or are they people trying to prevent other countries from plundering the resources of their poor country? Several countries responded to this event. Why the overkill? Because they've been robbing the Somalis of their seafood for years now. Some claim these "pirates" are really minutemen and patriots.
James, oklahoma city - Apr 13, 2009 at 9:19 am
Way to go S.E.A.L.'s. Those dastardly pirates got what they deserve. They should take the leftover one and tie his hands behind him and make him walk the plank.
William, Oklahoma City - Apr 13, 2009 at 9:17 am
Bravo for Capt. Phillips, and bravo for everyone involved from President Obama to those incredible S.E.A.L. snipers. I can't honestly say I'm sorry the three Somalis were killed. They put themselves in that position and stayed there. I read Somali pirate leaders have threatened retribution. That's not surprising. They're not going to abandon something that has proven so profitable with so little risk. It's just unfortunate that the leaders can't be threatened with the same fate that befell their misguided followers.
Jan, Oklahoma City - Apr 13, 2009 at 9:07 am
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Bush wouldn't have hesitated to put the Seals on these goons. Good thing Obama is more like Bush than Jimmy Carter in situations where Americans are bullied by loud, obnoxious American-hating countries. Had Obama displayed Carter-like indecisiveness and weakness, I'd have been done with the Obama administration. Now, with this incident and the decision NOT to abandon our fight against Al Queda in Pakistan and Afghanistan, I have more confidence that Barrack is not going to be another Jimmy Carter wimp.
Great job, Seals.
Now, send the Seals and the Marines to go after these pirates in their home ports.
Danny, Vail - Apr 13, 2009 at 9:01 am
I'll give it up to Obama as well, hopefully his decision to allow force to be used to end the standoff will end some of the talk by the right wing about him being soft. Way to go Navy, you've come to the rescue again.
Outlaw, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 8:51 am
Excellent job Seals!! I'll give it up to Obama for giving the order. Don't screw with the US.
Greg, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 8:37 am
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It is amazing to me that all three seals hit their targets under such adverse conditions. Navy SEALS are in a league of their own. These days when it is great to have someone that we can call true heros, and these guys are true heros!
BILLY, MUSTANG - Apr 13, 2009 at 8:37 am
I would join the Navy if I could use Somalian pirates as target practice. You know, like how Iraquis use our troops as target practice.
Ed, Oklahoma City - Apr 13, 2009 at 8:36 am
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That was freaking amazing. I can't wait till the movie comes out!!
Britton, Edmond - Apr 13, 2009 at 8:26 am
Good job Navy Seals and good job Obama.....Captain Phillips, WELCOME HOME!
Sallie, Del City - Apr 13, 2009 at 8:23 am
Two or three encounters with navy seals will definitly make these hoodlums recognize with the flag of the United States looks like. I am betting they will find easier targets!
BILLY, MUSTANG - Apr 13, 2009 at 7:41 am
Way to go Navy Seals! Way to go Navy! Way to go Obama!
B, Oklahoma City - Apr 13, 2009 at 7:38 am
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Navy snipers on the destroyer’s fantail took aim at the pirates’ heads and shoulders. The commander gave the split-second order: Fire. All three pirates were picked off. The captain was safe.............Perfectly executed (pun intended) rescue. No trial for these losers, no housing them, etc...They chose to play with fire and got burned. I say we put small teams of commandos on these ships and let them star picking off these low life pieces of chit when they attack. If they see that random ships are going to be armed, then it will put a stop to it or reduce the number of attacks.

Louis Friend, Norman - Apr 13, 2009 at 7:37 am
J, Midwest City... I think you hit the nail on the head with your post!! _________Sighs of relief!! What a close call for Capt. Phillips! And for America and Americans here and abroad! I shudder to think what could have transpired..in both that situation and in the future.. if our Commander in Chief had failed to take the right course of action!! _____ We should all be extremely thankful that our military brass were able to successfully communicate the appropriate and necessary action to Pres. Obama and that he, as Commander in Chief, responded affirmatively to their recommendations. Bravo to the Navy Seals who made the treacherous rescue. These guys and all who were involved in the rescue are great American heroes, and so, most certainly is Capt. Phillips!
C, PV - Apr 13, 2009 at 5:07 am
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Mike, Oklahoma City, here is a link for you in case you have not yet found my reply to you: _____________________________________________________________________http://newsok.com/obamas-no-nukes-notion-is-lacking-in-basic-realism/article/3360259
C, PV - Apr 13, 2009 at 4:52 am
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I guess please give him back.... pretty please with sugar on top did not work in this situation?
Cowboy, MWC - Apr 13, 2009 at 2:03 am
Nice job.
Lawerence, Oklahoma City - Apr 13, 2009 at 1:20 am
Isn't there a Medal of Valor or some other national medal for bravery that our country can give to Captain Richard Phillips? I nominate him for one.
David, Altus - Apr 13, 2009 at 12:46 am

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