My Shippies

Monday, April 13, 2009
Yesterday, Navy SEALs rescued Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates. The action resulted in the death of three pirates. Captain Phillips wasn't hurt.

There are some who believe that such bold actions are inappropriate, because it will encourage the Bad Guys to attack our civilian ships in retaliation.

To them I say: Grow a pair.

An American citizen, performing their business in a lawful manner, is attacked by foreign nationals intent on criminal activity. Our response should not consist of hand-wringing and negotiations. In this case, the appropriate response is to send the Navy in to do the job for which they're trained and paid: Keeping the sea lanes open, and protecting U.S. citizens and interests abroad. Given the authority to do so, they'll take care business, and send an unequivocal message to those who would attempt to harm our people and our interests.

Welcome home, Captain Phillips.

Bravo Zulu to the USS BAINBRIDGE, the USS BOXER, the USS HALYBURTON, and the Navy SEALs who carried out a flawless mission. My shippies. You make me proud.

7 comments:

Random Michelle K said...

What I found interesting was that it was the Bainbridge that was in the area and dealing with the Pirates.

We have Richard Zacks "The Pirate Coast" on audio book, and William Bainbridge was the captain of the Essex, which was captured by Pirates.

Bainbridge doesn't come across particularly well in the retelling, but his men were eventually freed. Strange characters at that time I must say.

Eaton was the most fascinating character in the book IMO

vince said...

Yeah, there' a story that the pirates are looking for revenge. Like this is a surprise?

I'm with Jim on his post. International law is clear on piracy, and I hope the Obama administration turns the Navy loose on them. We can't stop them all, but we can make a damned good dent in them and make them think twice. And here's where military might should be used.

And from an old Air Force sergeant, I salute my Navy comrades, and especially the SEALs.

Cindi in CO said...

What kills me, is the apparent shock and outrage the pirates seem to be feeling at the recent turn of events.

What the hell did they THINK was gonna happen?!

Dipshits.

Janiece said...

Cindi, me, too! Like the U.S. should just roll over when our citizens are kidnapped by foreign nationals in international waters.

How dare we support and protect our shipping lanes and the seamen who sail them?

Jim Wright said...

Well, there's a reason they feel that way. Because they've come to think that this is their right and their due - I've got my thoughts up on this matter over on Stonekettle Station.

Geek Goddess said...

As the mother of a Navy nuke type person, I am very proud of the Navy. And all you sailors that didn't participate get partial credit and a plate of my chocolate chip cookies.

Janiece said...

Hmm...cookies.Thanks, Geek Goddess!