The skill and bravery of our military

alaskanativeson

alaskanativeson

Joined
May 2, 2007
Messages
312
We should all be grateful for the service our military personnel give on our behalf to protect our freedom. The Somali piracy which has been in the news lately has once again brought to light just how important their service is. Apparently the recent story of a captured American Captain is coming to an end. The U.S. Navy forces have rescued the Captain and killed 3 of the 4 pirates. I'd say our military deserves our respect and thanks. Even President Obama, a man I disagree with tremendously on many things showed good judgement. He issued orders allowing the navy to take action when they deemed it necessary. I won't be giving out very many thanks to President Obama (though I'll heap plenty of criticism on him) but I'm very glad he did the right thing in this instance.

Depending on your religious persuasion, today may be considered a holy day. Even if it's not, I'd say we (speaking as an American) all have something to celebrate today.

To our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines I give to you a heart-felt thanks and share a sense of pride that you wear my country's uniform.
 
Definetely,,,,,,, one of the Good things that has happened recently,,,,too bad they missed the 4th . Was @ Easter dinner with the family and not abreast of all the circumstances surrounding the rescue . Needless to say, a good message sent to terrorists , and other such filth , that they will not be tolerated!!!!!!!!!!!
And as Alaskanativeson said , a serious and well deserved:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: to all persons involved. Hoorah!!!!!!!
 
SEALs what SEALs..... There aint no SEALs here!

Hostage Captain Was in 'Imminent Danger' at Time of Rescue
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2009 - The captain of the Maersk-Alabama cargo ship held hostage by pirates off the coast of Somalia was in "imminent danger" when U.S. military snipers shot and killed his three pirate captors, a U.S. Navy commander said today.

Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, provided preliminary details of the rescue mission that freed Capt. Richard Phillips today during a news conference.

Off the Somali coast, U.S. special operations snipers held positions at the rear of the USS Bainbridge, which was towing an 18-foot lifeboat that held Phillips and three pirates some 25-30 meters away.

"The snipers positioned on the fantail of the Bainbridge observed one of the pirates in the pilot house -- and two pirates with their head and shoulders exposed -- and one of the pirates had the AK47 (assault rifle) leveled at the captain's back," Gortney said.

Gortney said the White House had given military operators "very clear guidance and authority" if Phillips' life was in danger.

"The on-scene commander took it as the captain was in imminent danger and then made that decision (to shoot), and he had the authorities to make that decision, and he had seconds to make that decision," he said.

On the marksmanship of the snipers Gortney said, "We pay a lot for their training and we got a good return on our investment."

Naval forces rescued Phillips on a rigid-inflatable boat and transferred him to the USS Bainbridge before being flown to the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer, where he contacted his family, received a routine medical evaluation, and is resting comfortably, according to a U.S. Navy statement.

Gortney said Phillips was in good health and suffered no apparent injuries, despite being "tied up inside the lifeboat" for at least part of his five days as a hostage. He noted that a fourth pirate surrendered and is being held in U.S. forces' custody.

The admiral praised the military servicemembers involved in the rescue.

"I could not be more proud to represent all the men and women in uniform who worked tirelessly to make this rescue possible," he said.
 
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From what I have read and heard, 3 shots from SEALs simultaneously from a ship to the life boat, that is absolutely AMAZING! Just think of the marksmanship of our SEALs from one platform that is moving with the seas to another, the target, that is moving in possibly different motion than the firing platform, WOW.

Chalk one up for the US Navy SEALs. :thumbup:;)
 
here, here... ! I'll drink to that!!! (or most anything else) ;):thumbup: But an extra drink for this one... :D:thumbup:

Thank God it ended well. I think that 5 days of inaction from the "O" is ludicrous. It could have ended much sooner. Our snipers could have taken them whenever they wanted to take them.

It reminds me of the Carter years... Indecision backed up by bad decisions.

But I'm with ya AlaskinNS... It may be a while before punk-*ss somalian pirates screw with an American vessel. We are built of a bit heartier stock than the Europeans that they have been messin' with. :thumbup: My guess is that they will stick pirating French ships from now on. ;)
 
We are a lucky nation to be blessed with so many men and women willing to give their lives for everything that is the U.S.A.

My family is lucky to live in such wonderful borders.
 
I'm at Great Lakes Naval Base every work day. I thank the young recruits (and anyone else in Uniform ) who I see for their service and tell them their country is proud of them for their service. They are all green and kind of scared about what they are about to be put thru as recruits but they walk away standing tall and have a bump in their step after they hear it.
I see these people transformed over time. Makes me very proud to be an American.
 
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I can't add anything more to what has been said other than "Thanks".

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