OK the title is a little bit of an exaggeration. Here is a recent photo related to the release of the cargoship MV FAINA by pirates this week. Something tells me that the machine gun mounted on the bow didn’t come as standard equipment.
Here is the whole photo:
090206-N-3931M-158 SOMALIA (Feb. 6, 2009) A watch stander on the bow of USS Mahan (DDG 87) monitors the fleet ocean tug USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168) as it makes preparations to transfer provides fuel and fresh water to Motor Vessel Faina. Somali pirates released the Motor Vessel Faina Feb. 5, after holding it for more than four months. The U.S. Navy has remained within visual range of the ship and maintained a 24-hour, 7-days a week presence since it was captured. The Belize-flagged cargo ship is owned and operated by “Kaalbye Shipping Ukraine” and is carrying a cargo of Ukrainian T-72 tanks and related equipment. The ship was attacked on Sept. 25 and forced to proceed to anchorage off the Somali Coast. U.S. 5th Fleet conducts maritime security operations to promote stability and regional economic prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael R. McCormick/Released) – US Navy
The Navy has taken a couple hits for not being more aggressive in it’s handling of the pirate situation. This criticism has been directed at all the navies patrolling in the area for being soft on pirates, at least to this point, except for the French, who have shown a real willingness to actively pursue pirates that cross their path. At least this photo is evidence that the Navy is prepared to deal with the pirate threat if they encounter it.
So, maybe one of our more knowledgeable readers can comment on whether this is an ad-hoc setup or if this is something standard.
A Photo of the ransom drop as well as a post release US Navy visit to the ship can be found posted on my blog here: MV FAINA Ransom Drop (Photo)
For some analysis on the possible US anti-piracy strategy, look to fellow USNI guest blogger Galrahn and his post ‘Observing the Strategic Success of US Policy Towards Somali Piracy’, posted on his blog Information Dissemination.
