Screwball Rules of Engagement

Bill Nichols · 02-05-11, 07:50 AM

I just read this story ( http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2...pirate-attack/ ) and it really got my dander up!

Here's the short version:

In a statement, the Navy says, "While transiting in international waters, the merchant vessel reported that pirates were attempting to board the vessel. Momsen and Bunker Hill, which were in the vicinity, immediately responded to the Duqm's distress signal and caused two pirates skiffs alongside the vessel with ladders against its hull to flee the area. Momsen and Bunker Hill tracked the skiffs movement and located the mothership that facilitated the attempted boarding of Duqm, towing the two empty skiffs. Consistent with the U.N. Security Council Resolutions on piracy and U.S. rules of engagement, Momsen destroyed the two skiffs to prevent their use for future attacks."

These pirates are caught red-handed, and our ROE only allow us to put holes in their skiffs??? What about the mothership? Did the Navy simply let it go?

What the Navy needs is more warriors, and fewer lawyers. More focus on maritime security, less on political correctness.

God! If I could only be President for a day!!!

02-05-11, 07:50 AM	#1
Bill Nichols Master of Defense Join Date: Mar 2000 Posts: 1,502 Downloads: 125 Uploads: 0	Screwball Rules of Engagement I just read this story ( http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2...pirate-attack/ ) and it really got my dander up! Here's the short version: In a statement, the Navy says, "While transiting in international waters, the merchant vessel reported that pirates were attempting to board the vessel. Momsen and Bunker Hill, which were in the vicinity, immediately responded to the Duqm's distress signal and caused two pirates skiffs alongside the vessel with ladders against its hull to flee the area. Momsen and Bunker Hill tracked the skiffs movement and located the mothership that facilitated the attempted boarding of Duqm, towing the two empty skiffs. Consistent with the U.N. Security Council Resolutions on piracy and U.S. rules of engagement, Momsen destroyed the two skiffs to prevent their use for future attacks." These pirates are caught red-handed, and our ROE only allow us to put holes in their skiffs??? What about the mothership? Did the Navy simply let it go? What the Navy needs is more warriors, and fewer lawyers. More focus on maritime security, less on political correctness. God! If I could only be President for a day!!! __________________ My Dangerous Waters website: