A salute to my fellow Americans

[KFCarter]

Agreed, Puffer. Hat's off to all who recognized their duty and then did it.

The pirates did not receive the payment they requested but they got the payment they were due.

[JolyStNicholas]

I feel a few "Independant Contractors" on each of these ships would help to cure the problem of these Pirates attacking Unarmed vessels. A few would be all that would be needed.

[Woodsheal]

I feel a few "Independant Contractors" on each of these ships would help to cure the problem of these Pirates attacking Unarmed vessels. A few would be all that would be needed.

Exactly! A couple of .50 cal machine guns mounted on ships sailing in those waters would go a long way towards discouraging approaching pirates.

"Avast, ye swabs! Heave to and shear off, or we'll send ye to Davy Jones...!"

[thescot]

Where's Lt. Presley O'Bannion when you need him? (Look it up, non-jarheads)

The Navy and the Corps know how to fix it, but it's going to be ugly. However, it's a job that'll have to be done sooner or later.

Thanks, Puffer, for bringing it to our attention. I'm sure a kilted regiment could do the job. (I just threw that last in to keep the subject germaine to kilts!)

[macwilkin]

Where's Lt. Presley O'Bannion when you need him? (Look it up, non-jarheads)

The Navy and the Corps know how to fix it, but it's going to be ugly. However, it's a job that'll have to be done sooner or later.

Thanks, Puffer, for bringing it to our attention. I'm sure a kilted regiment could do the job. (I just threw that last in to keep the subject germaine to kilts!)

I mentioned Lt. O'Bannion and his Marines in class last week while discussing this very situation, Jim!

During WWII, there were Navy Armed Guards on Merchant vessels -- perhaps it's time to ressurect that service?

http://www.armed-guard.com/

Regards,

Todd

[tyger]

Amen to all the above. Pirates are pirates, and should be treated accordingly. Show them no quarter.

[###KILTEDKIWI###]

Exactly! A couple of .50 cal machine guns mounted on ships sailing in those waters would go a long way towards discouraging approaching pirates.

I totally agree with this statement, however I believe an armed vessel (i.e deck mounted or supported weapons), would void their insurance with lloyd's (I know mental), due to their strict criteria...(must look that up)

[vmac3205]

Merchant vessels are allowed one firearm. The Captain can carry a side arm. That's it. They really are at the mercy of the pirates. It certainly wouldn't hurt my feelings to see some armed patrol ships lurking in "troubled waters."

[cavscout]

The catch is many of these vessels carry some highly flammable (if not explosive) stuff and the crews use fire hoses to ward off the pirates as best they can to avoid initiating a fire fight. Armed escorts are likely the best deterrent and a refresher course in Marine Corps 101 would serve to solve the problem

[Jerry]

I agree with Todd, a US Navy armed guard aboard these unarmed vessels would go a long way towards discouraging these attacks. As for it being a violation of international maritime law, well, so is piracy. Kudos to the US Navy Seals for an outstanding job!