In Rescue of Captain, Navy Kills 3 Pirates - 美国船长被救,三名海盗被击毙

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In Rescue of Captain, Navy Kills 3 Pirates

Roberto Schmidt/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Crew members of the Maersk Alabama celebrated after hearing that their captain, who had been held hostage by Somali pirates, had been rescued.

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By ROBERT D. MCFADDEN and SCOTT SHANEPublished: April 12, 2009

Navy Seal snipers rescued an American cargo ship captain unharmed and killed three Somali pirates in a daring operation in the Indian Ocean on Sunday, ending a five-day standoff between United States naval forces and a small band of brigands in a covered orange lifeboat off the Horn of Africa.

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Times Topics: Piracy at Sea

Enlarge This Image U.S. Navy, via Reuters

Richard Phillips, right, the captain of the U.S.-flagged cargo ship Maersk Alabama, after his rescue on Sunday with Cmdr. Frank Castellano, the commanding officer of the Navy destroyer Bainbridge.

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Acting with President Obama’s authorization and in the belief that the hostage, Capt. Richard Phillips, was in imminent danger of being killed by captors armed with pistols and AK-47s, snipers on the fantail of the destroyer Bainbridge, which was towing the lifeboat on a 100-foot line, opened fire and picked off the three captors.

Two of the captors had poked their heads out of a rear hatch of the lifeboat, exposing themselves to clear shots, and the third could be seen through a window in the bow, pointing an automatic rifle at the captain, who was tied up inside the 18-foot lifeboat, senior Navy officials said.

It took only three remarkable shots — one each by snipers firing from a distance at dusk, using night-vision scopes, the officials said. Within minutes, rescuers slid down ropes from the Bainbridge, climbed aboard the lifeboat and found the three pirates dead. They then untied Captain Phillips, ending the contretemps at sea that had riveted much of the world’s attention. A fourth pirate had surrendered earlier.

Shortly after his rescue, Captain Phillips was taken aboard the Bainbridge, underwent a medical exam and was found to be in relatively good condition for a 53-year-old seafarer who had been held since Wednesday by pirates who had demanded $2 million for his life. He called home and was flown to the Boxer, an amphibious assault ship also off the Somali coast. Arrangements were being made Sunday night for his return home to Vermont.

“I share the country’s admiration for the bravery of Captain Phillips and his selfless concern for his crew,” Mr. Obama said in a statement. “His courage is a model for all Americans.”

Jubilation over the dramatic rescue reached from the White House to Underhill, Vt., Captain Phillips’s hometown, and from personnel aboard the Bainbridge to the cheering, fist-pumping 19-member crew of the captain’s cargo ship, the Maersk Alabama, docked in Mombasa, Kenya.

Captain Phillips, who was said to be resting comfortably, spoke to officials of the Maersk Line, who quoted him as saying: “The real heroes are the Navy, the Seals, those who have brought me home.” He also spoke to his wife, Andrea, and two college-aged children in Underhill, where dozens of yellow ribbons fluttered on the white picket fence of his home and two small American flags jutted up from the lawn.

“This is truly a very happy Easter for the Phillips family,” said Alison McColl, a Maersk representative assigned to speak for the family. “They are all just so happy and relieved,” she said. “I think you can all imagine their joy and what a happy moment it was for them.”

On the family’s behalf, Ms. McColl thanked the nation and the people of Vermont for their prayers and support. “Obviously, this has been a long journey for the family,” she said. John Reinhart, president and chief executive of Maersk Line Ltd., praised the Navy and federal officials for their performance. “Everyone’s worked around the clock,” he said. “It’s magnificent to see the outcome.”

While the outcome was a triumph for America, officials in many countries plagued by pirates said it was not likely to discourage them. Pirates are holding a dozen ships with more than 200 crew members, according to the Malaysia-based International Maritime Bureau.

In Somalia itself, other pirates reacted angrily to the news that Captain Phillips had been rescued, and some said they would avenge the deaths of their colleagues by killing Americans in sea hijackings to come.

“Every country will be treated the way it treats us,” Abdullahi Lami, one of the pirates holding a Greek ship anchored in the pirate den of Gaan, a central Somali town, was quoted by The Associated Press as saying in a telephone interview. “In the future, America will be the one mourning and crying.”

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Next Page »Robert D. McFadden reported from New York, and Scott Shane from Washington. Mark Mazzetti contributed reporting from Washington, Serge F. Kovaleski from Underhill, Vt.; and employees of The New York Times from Somalia.  Published: April 12, 2009

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Aboard the Maersk Alabama, a 17,000-ton cargo ship, Captain Phillips’s crew erupted in cheers, waved American flags and fired off flares. When four pirates attacked the ship on Wednesday, the crew escaped harm after the captain offered himself as a hostage. He told his crewmen to lock themselves in cabins, and allowed himself to be taken at gunpoint into the lifeboat in which the pirates fled.

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Related

Rescue Fuels Debate Over Arming Crews (April 13, 2009)

A Placid Man on Land, Caught in a Drama at Sea (April 11, 2009)

Room for Debate: Capture Pirates, on Land and Sea (April 9, 2009)

Room for Debate: How to Catch a Pirate: Readers' Ideas (April 11, 2009)

Times Topics: Piracy at Sea

U.S. Navy

Capt. Richard Phillips, right, aboard the Navy destroyer Bainbridge on Sunday after the end of a five-day hostage standoff.

Enlarge This Image Antony Njuguna/Reuters

The Maersk Alabama in the port at Mombasa, Kenya, where crew members celebrated after hearing of their captain’s release.

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Over the ensuing days, according to official accounts of the episode, the pirates made repeated threats to kill the captain as their motorized lifeboat moved about 30 miles off the Somali coast. It was closely watched by United States warships and helicopters in an increasingly tense standoff.

Talks to free the captain began Thursday, with the commander of the Bainbridge communicating with the pirates under instructions from F.B.I. hostage negotiators flown to the scene. The pirates threatened to kill Captain Phillips if attacked, and the result was tragicomic: the world’s most powerful navy vs. a lifeboat.

Vice Adm. William E. Gortney, commander of the United States naval forces in the region, said in a briefing in Bahrain that despite ransom demands from the pirates the United States had not discussed any ransom and had talked to the pirates only about the release of Captain Phillips and the pirates’ surrender.

The Defense Department twice sought Mr. Obama’s permission to use force to rescue Captain Phillips, most recently on Friday night, senior defense officials said. On Saturday morning, the president agreed, they said, if it appeared that the captain’s life was in imminent danger.

By Friday, with several warships within easy reach of the lifeboat, the negotiations had gone nowhere. Captain Phillips jumped into the sea, but was quickly recaptured. On Saturday, the pirates fired several shots at a small boat that had approached from the Bainbridge.

By the weekend, however, the pirates had begun to run out of food, water and fuel. That apparently provided the opening officials were hoping for. In briefings, senior officers who spoke anonymously because they had not been authorized to disclose information said that the pirates agreed to accept food and water. A small craft was used to deliver them and it apparently made several trips between the Bainbridge and the lifeboat.

On one trip, one of the four pirates — whose hand had been gashed during the capture of Captain Phillips — asked for medical treatment and, in effect surrendering, was taken in the small boat to the Bainbridge. Justice Department officials were studying options for his case, including criminal charges in the United States or turning him over to Kenya, where dozens of pirates have faced prosecution. Three pirates were left on board with Captain Phillips.

Meanwhile, members of the Navy Seals were flown in by fixed-wing aircraft. They parachuted into the sea with inflatable boats and were picked up by the Bainbridge. On Sunday, the pirates, their fuel gone, were drifting toward the Somali coast. They agreed to accept a tow from the Bainbridge, the senior officials said. At first, the towline was 200 feet long, but as darkness gathered and seas became rough, the towline was shortened to 100 feet, the officials said. It was unclear if this was done with the pirates’ knowledge.

At dusk, a single tracer bullet was seen fired from the lifeboat. The intent was unclear, but it ratcheted up the tension and Seal snipers at the stern rail of the Bainbridge fixed night-vision scopes to their high-powered rifles, getting ready for action.

What they saw was the head and shoulders of two of the pirates emerging from the rear hatch of the lifeboat. Through the window of the front hatch they saw the third pirate, pointing his AK-47 at the back of Captain Phillips, who was seen to be tied up.

That was it: the provocation that fulfilled the president’s order to act only if the captain’s life was in imminent danger, and the opportunity of having clear shots at each captor. The order was given. Senior defense officials, themselves marveling at the skill of the snipers, said each took a target and fired one shot.

“This was an incredible team effort,” Admiral Gortney said when it was over. “And I am extremely proud of the tireless efforts of all the men and women who made this rescue possible.”

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April 12, 2009 3:42 pm

 

Why is that Africa has such widespread lawlessness to the point where even the old folks are conspirators?

 

I applaud the way the US handled this. Demanding that the pirates be brought to justice is the civilized response. I am so proud that Americans are unyielding when it comes to obeying the law and bring all crimes to justice.

 

But Africa? Somalia has been government-less for more than a decade, but the problem of corruption, armed robbery, murder, rampage, lawless behavior is everywhere on the continent. If old folks and parents cannot kneel to Lady Justice, how will this continent ever evolve??? There is no democracy without a justice system. I see no hope for real change in Africa (at least, without guidance from the Western world) until Africans all over respect the law.

 

Kudos to the pilot's team for sticking with him and not abandoning him. Kudos to the American military for displaying the American flag so proudly and at the same time, pulling off a successful rescue.

 

Let's stay away from Somalia and Africa. Over there, things like piracy (how 12th century is that?) and all kinds of barter (even for humans apparently) are still going on that show how parts of Africa are still in the feudal ages. There are still religious wars going on there and still "justified" rape and "justified" pillage.

 

No more American lives should be put at risk getting involved with Africa's many problems.

 

— Outraged, Oakland

 

 

 Recommend Recommended by 140 Readers

2.

All Editors' Selections » EDITORS' SELECTIONS (what's this?)

April 12, 2009 3:42 pm

 

I prayed for his safe return, and I am so happy that he is now free. Hope he can soon get back to normal life. God bless you Mr. Phillips.

— Barbara B., Dallas, TX

 Recommend Recommended by 83 Readers

3.

April 12, 2009 3:42 pm

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i am dying to see how the republicans position this as another example of obama's weak kneed inexperience and naitivete. think i saw one of them bloviating on this on fox (who else)?) in the last 24 hours.

— jonc, boston

 Recommend Recommended by 245 Readers

4.

April 12, 2009 3:43 pm

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Capt Phillips. I don't know who you are, but from the past 3 days, I've been following your miraculous story and I am touched. Were you shocked to hear the 3 pirates holding you were killed? Did you develop a bond with any of them over the time you were captured? I'm interested in your feelings toward your captors.

Welcome home.

— CM, Los Angeles, CA

 Recommend Recommended by 21 Readers

5.

April 12, 2009 3:43 pm

This wouldn't have happened if Somalia had a functioning national government to crack down on these pirates. Still makes for good drama for the television stations, I suppose...

— Petrus_Sabbatius, MA

 Recommend Recommended by 19 Readers

6.

April 12, 2009 3:54 pm

Great relief.
But now, prevention.
The sailors are unarmed because of the cost of insurance premiums. The Navy just spent, exactly how much?, overwhelming a lifeboat. I say we should pay the insurance for the shipping companies. The promise of armed sailors will deter the pirates and save the military money.

— David Wooddell, Boston, MA

 Recommend Recommended by 70 Readers

7.

April 12, 2009 3:54 pm

The captain's release is reason to celebrate - especially in this Passover and Easter Season.

— Patricia Sprofera, East Elmhurst, NY

 Recommend Recommended by 72 Readers

8.

April 12, 2009 3:54 pm

Way to go, U.S. Navy!

— karenma8, Seattle, WA

 Recommend Recommended by 236 Readers

9.

April 12, 2009 3:54 pm

Good job by the military and the Obama administration. Patience and planning. Something sorely missing for so many years. It was bush ignoring the problems of the world that allowed for this sort of thing to get so far out of handin the first place. Pirates have been plying those waters for some time now, and bush did nothing. Something to do with being an idiot.

Of course, they need to get as much information as possible from the living pirate, and then hunt down the groups doing this carp and arrest and/or kill them all.

Brandon, PA

 Recommend Recommended by 131 Readers

10.

April 12, 2009 3:54 pm

The news is great, but how will it affect the 250 other hostages currently being held for ransom? Will the pirates kill some of them in retaliation? Will the pirates be encouraged to expand their efforts to pirate more vessels?

This is an international issue. Will U.S. troops invade Somalia? If we do, how many other countries, also affected by the piracy, will assist us?

The news is great, but it has also made our media reveal more of the extent of this piracy predicament.

— bnc, Lowell, MA

 Recommend Recommended by 41 Readers

11.

April 12, 2009 3:55 pm

Since arming merchant ships in the Somalia area is not feasible, the use of a convoying armed vessel should be considered . As in world war 2 groups of ships in convoys should be considered. This asymetrical warfare requires a strong response or it will spread to other areas of instability.

— N.Y. Zelvin, Eastchester, New York

 Recommend Recommended by 42 Readers

12.

April 12, 2009 3:55 pm

Excellent!!!!!!!!maybe next time they will think twice about going after a US ship.

— rjrau1, bklyn, ny

 Recommend Recommended by 98 Readers

13.

April 12, 2009 3:55 pm

Piracy on the high seas is terrorism.

The pirate who was captured should be tried under our terrorism laws and if found guilty be given the maximum penalty.

— DarrylS, New York, NY

 Recommend Recommended by 111 Readers

14.

April 12, 2009 3:56 pm

This end was a foregone conclusion, that it lasted so long probably was just to give the team that killed the pirates time to be flown in from the US to the Indian Ocean to take the shots. Perhaps to give the pirates a chance to surrender.
With night vision technology, high powered sniper rifles, well trained snipers from the deck of a more or less stable warship, it must have been a fairly simple thing.

After the past 8 years, the Black Hawk Down scenario no longer exists.

America has once again remembered its talent for death and dying.
Only the Russians can stand with us one that score now I think. And we've the tech edge on them by a long shot.

— Neal Klomp, Normal Il

 Recommend Recommended by 17 Readers

15.

April 12, 2009 3:56 pm

Congratulations-US Navy and especially US Navy Seals. You make all Americans proud to be Americans. Well done.

— Dave, Chicago

 Recommend Recommended by 280 Readers

16.

April 12, 2009 3:57 pm

This is an American victory.

I am surprised that the Obama administration call the Somali Pirates "pirates". After all we don't call terrorists terrorists anymore. I also won't be surprised if Obama apologizes for the killing of the three pirates and American "hegemony" in the high seas. We'll see.

The US Navy and the American Merchant Marine, often unsung, deserve all the credit. Phillips deserves a hero's welcome for his self sacrifice and his leadership.

— Jude the Obscure, St. Louis, MO

 Recommend Recommended by 81 Readers

17.

April 12, 2009 3:57 pm

I am so glad he is OK! I was hoping the US would aggressively combat the pirates, although it was such a difficult situation with the captain held hostage. Welcome back, Captain!

JenOfNJ, NJ

 Recommend Recommended by 22 Readers

18.

April 12, 2009 3:57 pm

I would like to understand why the shipping companies insist that their crews remain unarmed. Insurance liability? Pshaw! Are their rates not increased for navigating in these waters? Do these sailors not have rights of self defense? International maritime law allows for self defense, how is it any way conscionable for the shipping companies to endanger the lives of their crews?

Let them be armed, then we will see how brave these cowards really are.

scottsquared, Hayden, Colorado

 Recommend Recommended by 80 Readers

19.

April 12, 2009 3:57 pm

Another reason to be proud of the US Navy.

And, it gives new meaning to the term "Easter SEALS."

I'm also proud of our government for not negotiating with the pirates, otherwise known as terrorists on the seas. Paying ransom only perpetuates the problem, as so many other countries have found out, the hard way.

Maybe the pirates will think twice about the next passing ship, especially if it is flying the US Flag.

Good job Navy, keep making us proud!

— G. Ligler, San Diego

 Recommend Recommended by 212 Readers

20.

April 12, 2009 3:57 pm

Mission Accomplished

Neil, Highland Park, IL

 Recommend Recommended by 94 Readers

21.

April 12, 2009 3:58 pm

GO NAVY! It's about time the pirates were dealt with as pirates and not as poor unfortunates from a lawless collection of tribes. This is a clear cut example of what it means to take responsibility for your actions. Would that similar solutions could be applied to certain other groups of pirates

— Mark, Taos, NM

 Recommend Recommended by 157 Readers

22.

April 12, 2009 3:58 pm

Yeah! Excellent news; so happy for Capt. Phillips' loved ones and crew!

— Paul, Philadelphia

 Recommend Recommended by 46 Readers

23.

April 12, 2009 3:58 pm

Don't mess with the U.S. Military. Thank the Navy for this man's safety.

I trust the President to tackle this issue to the best of his ability but until Somalia has a real government with real laws, there is little he can do. I think this area is going to become what the Silk Road was...an area where trade and travel is by defacto off limits due to crime. We'll probably see most trade done by plane now rather than be sea in this part of the world.

— Steven, Parsippany, NJ

 Recommend Recommended by 22 Readers

24.

All Editors' Selections » EDITORS' SELECTIONS (what's this?)

April 12, 2009 3:58 pm

The interesting point being missed by all of the reporters is why this is the first US flagged vessel to be attacked. Historically it is the responsibility of each nation to protect it's own flagged vessels on the high seas. Almost all merchant ships fly "flags of convenience" to avoid having to pay American labor rates and maintain American safety standards. So where are the Saudi, Liberian and Panamaian Navies?

Dave, California

 Recommend Recommended by 145 Readers

25.

April 12, 2009 3:59 pm

Praise God that Capt. Phillips is free! How wonderful for his wife, family and friends back home, and on Easter Sunday no less. And kudos to the Navy for showing the US isn't totally impotent in a crisis as many pundits proclaimed.

— Carol, Detroit MI

 

 

26.April 12, 2009 3:59 pm

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The captain was not "freed." He succeeded in his second escape attempt because this time the navy was able to provide covering fire.

— keith, San Antonio, TX

 

 Recommend Recommended by 29 Readers .27.April 12, 2009 4:01 pm

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How soon until British and Spanish courts demand the extradition of multiple US Naval and government personnel for abuse of pirates (Soon to be labeled generous ladder fisherman who always shared their catch with the poor), which must be a war crime somewhere.

 

Congratulations to our fabulous Navy for this flawless rescue.

— NC, Little Rock

 

 Recommend Recommended by 28 Readers .28.April 12, 2009 4:01 pm

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What's to be done about these pirates?

 

Newt 'em. Just Newt 'em all, those on land like those at sea. As usual, Speaker Gingrich has a solution that's simple, quick and splashback free.

 

— ET, Palo Alto

 

 Recommend Recommended by 13 Readers .29.April 12, 2009 4:02 pm

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Well done! Three cheers for the Navy! Good job by a union crew getting control of the ship back in the first place from the pirates.

 

And shame on all those conservative bloggers who have been calling Obama "Carter II."

— Scottsdale Jack, Scottsdale, AZ

 

 Recommend Recommended by 99 Readers .30.April 12, 2009 4:03 pm

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Very glad Captain Phillips is safe. I kind of chuckle to read this article, however--this were really only 2 possible results after his kidnapping.

 

Negotiations? What kind of negotiations do people really think were happening? The US Government does not negotiate with pirates or terrorists. The "negotiations" consisted of us telling them to either surrender and face justice "or else." They chose not to surrender (so cross off one possible result) and the "else" occurred. Kudos the the Navy for pulling it off without losing Captain Phillips, but again, there were only ever two possible outcomes.

This should effectively serve as a warning to Somali pirates-- You see an American vessel, stay away. You will either die or go to prison for the rest of your life.

 

Now if only other governments had the balls that we do, there wouldn't be a pirate problem.

— Mark, WI

 

 Recommend Recommended by 66 Readers .31.April 12, 2009 4:04 pm

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The Republicans are already coming up with their rhetoric. They are saying, the captain saved himself. That President Obama was too busy talking to the Somali Elders. If they do give any credit it's towards the military. All forgetting the fact, that the Commander in Chief has to give the order to take evasive action, i.e. shoot to kill and/or take action.

 

It's ridiculous and sad that this has even become a political talking point.

 

I am pleased that this is all over and that Captain Phillips looks really good after his ordeal.

— Me2, New York, NY

 

 Recommend Recommended by 107 Readers .32.April 12, 2009 4:06 pm

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After the disaster trying to rescue the hostages in Iran during President Carter's watch and the "Black Hawk Down" fiasco in Somalia, it is great to see the US Navy pull off this dramatic rescue. Kudos to another humble American hero, the salt of the earth captain of the vessel.

— DK, Northern California

 

 Recommend Recommended by 53 Readers .33.April 12, 2009 4:07 pm

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The Somali "pirate", quoted as saying they will take revenge should they capture another American should be afraid.

The next American crewed ship they approach and try to board will likely be heavily armed, well able to repel boarders.

Stationing Marine Corps Harriers and British Sea Harriers in striking distance of land and sea targets along the Somali coast would speed response time to calls for help from merchant shipping under attack.

Land based A-10 Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft have an incredibly effective cannon even the most boastful pirate will find hard to defend against.

It will take a coordinated effort from several nations to literally blast pirates from their hiding places and vessels. Some hostages will likely be killed in the process from airstrikes or pirate retaliation.

Keeping pirates off the ships and allowing no more captives is the only sure way to stop piracy.

The idea of stabilizing the situation in Somalia to stop pirates is too little, too late. Once this method of easy money became routine for criminals, it became ingrained in the culture as acceptable.

Now piracy must become so dangerous and prone to failure that it is more the case where pirates leave port to never return than to profit from criminal acts.

— David B., Seattle, Washington

 

 Recommend Recommended by 32 Readers .34.April 12, 2009 4:07 pm

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A quality lethal SEAL team is always the answer. Keep the lawyers out of it!!

— Jeff C, New Britain, Conn.

 

 Recommend Recommended by 56 Readers .35.April 12, 2009 4:07 pm

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It's great the U.S.A. resolved its own problem, the first time caught up in that piracy soap opera, but why has the rest of the world allowed this lawless behavior to flourish, much less go unpunished?

 

Is the rest of the world even more caught up in extortion and bribery than the U.S.? For some time I've been assuming we were the world's poster child, but I'll no longer be thinking that.

 

Perhaps the rest of the world figured correctly that if they did nothing, eventually we would clean up their mess for them. How typical.

— Andy Hain, Carmel, CA

 

 Recommend Recommended by 27 Readers .36.April 12, 2009 4:07 pm

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Correction & completion: Hooray to the American military! Boo to the effete Obama Administration. I suppose that now Obama will bow down and egregiously apologize to the pirates for the brutal and abusive use of force to quell illegal activity by the pirates; maybe invite them to D.C. to be able to kick Americans in the face more easily and join our so-called allies and other enemies in doing so. Can a president be re-called? Hope so, but sooner than four (4) years. Seems to be a nice guy, but a horrible, senseless, leaderless president when dealing with reality (pirates, North Korea, French, Germans, Iranians, et al)

 

Needs to walk the dog, but also to walk the walk and talk the talk in a real-world way. Otherwise, ENOUGH!

— paperboy in montana, Bozeman, MT

 

 Recommend Recommended by 17 Readers .37.April 12, 2009 4:07 pm

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Bravo ... Good job U.S. Navy.

I am curious to see why no one that was very excited to blame Obama for this situation few days ago has come up to congratulate him on handling this situation successfully? May be they are watching Glenn Beck...or may be Obama had nothing to do with this...right ?

— Andy, Tennessee

 

 Recommend Recommended by 25 Readers .38.April 12, 2009 4:07 pm

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Well done to the US Navy and all who participated in this exercise in the application of power guided by common sense and will.

 

Three out of four ain't bad but four for four is perfect. Good luck to the Navy in their continuous improvement program!

— Sam, Houston

 

 Recommend Recommended by 11 Readers .39.April 12, 2009 4:09 pm

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In re #1 - so we should abandon an entire continent because the "elders" (old pirates) didn't want to turn in the young ones? Give me a break. Bernie Madoff, an elder, clearly snubbed his nose at the rule of law as have thousands of others in the financial community. Should we abandon our own country?

 

I am glad we used the tools available to us to end this (Plan B) after we gave them many opportunities to peacefully resolve it (Plan A). The fact that the efforts were not successful does not mean we should not try them first. It just means we need to be able to move to Plan B quickly and expeditiously after honest and forthright attempts at Plan A are not heeded.

 

I am guessing Navy SEALS made this success possible. Congratulations for a successful mission. I am sorry for the losses of the families of the criminals who refused to surrender.

— ibdeep1, Dallas

 

 Recommend Recommended by 29 Readers .40.April 12, 2009 4:15 pm

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After the disaster trying to rescue the hostages in Iran during President Carter's watch and the "Black Hawk Down" fiasco in Somalia, it is great to see the US Navy pull off this dramatic rescue. Kudos to another humble American hero, the salt of the earth captain of the vessel.

— DK, Northern California

 

 Recommend Recommended by 16 Readers .41.April 12, 2009 4:18 pm

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Great News. A right thing now would be to, in the words of Gen MacArthur, when we are at it, let us finish of these sobs. I genuinely hope that Navy is pursuing now some commando actions to relieve the other 250 hostages. That will earn us more soldiers from the western nations for the pursuit in Afghanistan.

 

— Guna, Utica, NY

 

 Recommend Recommended by 15 Readers .42.April 12, 2009 4:18 pm

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This is the ultimate Easter / Passover gift. We should all rejoice on safe return of the entire crew. Now how to deal with the pirates once and for all. Too many people from other countries are still hostages.

 

Brillant force management by United States. Kuddos Obama!

 

zinc

— zincson, newtown square, pa

 

 Recommend Recommended by 47 Readers .43.April 12, 2009 4:18 pm

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Happy Easter to Captain Phillips, his family, his crew and his employer. Our thanks also to the U.S. Navy. Piracy on the high seas will not be tolerated in the 21st century - under ANY circumstances. Piracy is NOT a solution to whatever problems exist in Somalia. Not even close.

When this unfortunate event cools a bit, Captain Phillips may have an excellent book within him. Let's hope, should he choose to write about this event, that he is unrestrained and is able to tell the ENTIRE story. Unfortunatly, I suspect that the Navy and our government will restrict certain information and that will limit the appeal of Phillips' story. What the heck! The world already knows that the United States Navy has some impressive capabilities - many of which were probably used to pursue the Captain's rescue. If the pirate community in Somalia become more aware of some of this capability, even through a book by captain Phillips, it may help to deter future hijackings.

Now, let's think about those other +/- 250 hostages held in Somalia. Even at the expense of a few civilians, does some of Somalia need to be removed from the map?

Welcome Home Captain and Happy Easter!

— Cedarglen, Oregon

 

 Recommend Recommended by 12 Readers .44.April 12, 2009 4:19 pm

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Captain Phillips is a true hero, having first offered himself as hostage to secure the safety of his crew, and then attempting an escape, giving the Navy an opportunity it missed to blow the lifeboat out of the water while he was swimming to freedom. If this incident were a movie, Capt. Phillips would be played by John Wayne or Gregory Peck ( I know, just gave away my age).

May all of us take inspiration from his courage and be thankful for his safe return on this extraordinary Easter Sunday. And thanks to the USN for a brilliant rescue, proving once again how proud we should be of all our service men and women. God bless America.

— goslo100@gmail.com, Callifornia

 

 Recommend Recommended by 25 Readers .45.April 12, 2009 4:19 pm

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Stephen Decatur lives!

— Thad, Rockville, MD

 

 Recommend Recommended by 7 Readers .46.April 12, 2009 4:19 pm

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Welcome home, Captain Phillips -- we are so proud of you and so elated by your return. We have been with you every single second since your capture by the Somalis. Happy Easter!!

— highst, Petersburg, VA

 

 Recommend Recommended by 12 Readers .47.April 12, 2009 4:19 pm

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"U.S. Captain Held by Pirates Is Freed"

 

A newspaper headline from 1809? Or 2009? It's so strange to see! I'm very happy for Captain Phillips.

— Robert, East Haddam, CT

 

 Recommend Recommended by 20 Readers .48.April 12, 2009 4:19 pm

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I agree with — jonc, boston let's see how the repubs will spin this one.

So many Americans (and our friends all over the world) were praying for the Captain's. For once most od the world were on the same page ...and hoped that he would be free this Easter Sunday.

Thank God for the NAVY!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

— Lisa B, NYC

 

 Recommend Recommended by 33 Readers .49.April 12, 2009 4:20 pm

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The U.S. Navy has been patrolling these waters for several years; has rescued ships and sailors and has also been in firefights, killing and or capturing pirates since 2006. I know, I was there. So please place a check on lashing out at current or past politicos and let's tackle the problem as a unified nation and world.

 

— K.A. Lindblad, Suffolk, VA

 

 Recommend Recommended by 80 Readers .50.April 12, 2009 4:20 pm

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I'm very proud and happy, this situation with the captain of that ship is freeeee !!!!

— pedroamonge, Texas