Having spoken to some SEAL pals here in Virginia Beach yesterday and asking why this thing dragged out for 4 days, I got the following:
1. BHO wouldn't authorize the DEVGRU/NSWC SEAL teams to the scene for 36 hours going against OSC (on scene commander) recommendation.
2. Once they arrived, BHO imposed restrictions on their ROE that they couldn't do anything unless the hostage's life was in "imminent" danger
3. The first time the hostage jumped, the SEALS had the raggies all sighted in, but could not fire due to ROE restriction
4. When the navy RIB came under fire as it approached with supplies, no fire was returned due to ROE restrictions. As the raggies were shooting at the RIB, they were exposed and the SEALS had them all dialed in.
5. BHO specifically denied two rescue plans developed by the Bainbridge CPN and SEAL teams
6. Bainbridge CPN and SEAL team CDR finally decide they have the OpArea and OSC authority to solely determine risk to hostage. 4 hours later, 3 dead raggies
7. BHO immediately claims credit for his "daring and decisive" behaviour. As usual with him, it's BS.
So per our last email thread, I'm downgrading Oohbaby's performace to D-. Only reason it's not an F is that the hostage survived.
Read the following accurate account.
Philips' first leap into the warm, dark water of the Indian Ocean hadn't worked out as well. With the Bainbridge in range and a rescue by his country's Navy possible, Philips threw himself off of his lifeboat prison, enabling Navy shooters onboard the destroyer a clear shot at his captors -- and none was taken.
The guidance from National Command Authority -- the president of the United States, Barack Obama -- had been clear: a peaceful solution was the only acceptable outcome to this standoff unless the hostage's life was in clear, extreme danger.
The next day, a small Navy boat approaching the floating raft was fired on by the Somali pirates -- and again no fire was returned and no pirates killed. This was again due to the cautious stance assumed by Navy personnel thanks to the combination of a lack of clear guidance from Washington and a mandate from the commander in chief's staff not to act until Obama, a man with no background of dealing with such issues and no track record of decisiveness, decided that any outcome other than a "peaceful solution" would be acceptable.
After taking fire from the Somali kidnappers again Saturday night, the onscene commander decided he'd had enough.
Keeping his authority to act in the case of a clear and present danger to the hostage's life and having heard nothing from Washington since yet another request to mount a rescue operation had been denied the day before, the Navy officer -- unnamed in all media reports to date -- decided the AK47 one captor had leveled at Philips' back was a threat to the hostage's life and ordered the NSWC team to take their shots. I don't know if the Bainbridge CO was in charge but, if so, he would be Commander Frank X. Castellano according to the Bainbridge website.
Three rounds downrange later, all three brigands became enemy KIA and Philips was safe.
There is upside, downside, and spinside to the series of events over the last week that culminated in yesterday's dramatic rescue of an American hostage.
Almost immediately following word of the rescue, the Obama administration and its supporters claimed victory against pirates in the Indian Ocean and [1] declared that the dramatic end to the standoff put paid to questions of the inexperienced president's toughness and decisiveness.
Despite the Obama administration's (and its sycophants') attempt to spin yesterday's success as a result of bold, decisive leadership by the inexperienced president, the reality is nothing of the sort. What should have been a standoff lasting only hours -- as long as it took the USS Bainbridge and its team of NSWC operators to steam to the location -- became an embarrassing four day and counting standoff between a ragtag handful of criminals with rifles and a U.S. Navy warship.
#1
Sounds like the Bainbridge commander violated orders in authorizing the shooting - Phillips was in no more imminent danger than he had been at several times previously. But the orders may have been intended to be disobeyed, such that any negative outcome (or spin) could be blamed on him, while positives would pass through to Zero. It would certainly not be the first time such situations were set up. It will be interesting to see what happens to the commander's career.
#2
Listen to the good Cap't words -- even the first words released by Adm ??? from him were that his recusers were the heros. He has repeated that over and over. His wife repeated it at their reunion press conference. The good Cap't remained on the Bainbridge to sail into port, rather than quickly being flown to Kenya and whisked home. He wanted and was getting the full story of what happened.
The pirates were firing at the SEALS, he went over the side... you know the rest of the story.
He and his wife know the story --- watch that video again.... he lets the world know, who rescued him. I kinda get the idea, he's daring anyone to go after anyone that was involved in his rescue. Even included that the Cap'ts of the Bainbridge and the Boxer, were "cool as cucumbers." There was a reason for that statement. He wasn't with them, when the decisions were being made.
He knows the results of their decisons.
Bet he still hasn't taken off that Bainbridge cap!
#4
I don't think there will be any direct retribution against the Bainbridge captain. I think there are plenty in the Navy who will tell him quietly, "well done" and make sure his career doesn't suffer. He was right, he made the right decision, and the freighter captain is alive to tell everyone.
Obama would have to be truly stupid as a politician to throw a wrench into the man's career -- lord knows how many people would leak such news. Obama isn't that stupid.
Posted by: Steve White ||
04/19/2009 2:45 Comments ||
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#5
I'm sure Obama just thought "make a peaceful solution" and it would somehow happen. Remember, he's a transnationalist who doesn't really represent the USA, but he's more like a UN-appointed steward for the USA's interests abroad. No way he's going to order anything but fuzzy bunnies and rainbows for everyone.
#13
Second the motion, Zim-Bob-Way for sure, he can't be worse (He doesn't have the guts to massacre and THAT will ensure a VERY Short "Reign")
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
04/19/2009 13:55 Comments ||
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#14
Follows is UNCONFIRMED reporting.
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:44:24 -0400
This is the first-hand account from one on board the USS Boxer.
Note: Jargon key located at the bottom.
I've been taking notes on facts, speculation and rumors. What I know is on the eleventh of April, 2009 at 1600 two C17 cargo planes flew over USS Boxer and four parachutes emerged out of the back. Then out came the boats! Four very fast 1300 hp SWCC's with radar and guns!
After those were safely extracted, the personnel and SEALs jumped. About 95 people in all splashed down near the USS Boxer. They swam to the ship and entered the well-deck. I spoke with one of the SEALs in the hangar bay as he was stowing his gear He was talking to a younger looking Ops guy with shoulder-length hair
and I struck up a conversation with them. They were really friendly.
The older SEAL finished with his bag and reached for a rifle case. Then he casually unzipped it and pulled out a Mark 416. This is a highly specialized carbine and as he explained "it's basically an M -4, but made by H&K so it's better! It has visible and non-visible lasers and a collapsable stock. It's nice."
"And is that an advanced armament suppressor?" I asked. "yeah that just makes it sound better, and the ladies love it!" I asked him if it's the coolest job in the navy.
"Well I haven't ever flown an F-18 off a carrier, but yeah, pretty much!" "You guys don't wear any insignia."
"We don't wear it, but we're still in the Navy."
"I know that but what's with that?" "Well I'm a Chief, and he is a Second-Class"
"oh, ok"
"So, Chief, did you come in as a SEAL?"
"yep, you don't have to be formal, that's why we don't wear it. It gets in the way and
besides, we know who's in charge."
"Well I have to get back to my watch."
"OK, any time you see us over here and just want to chat, feel free!" "Cool, thanks"
"Any time"
I also found out from the CPO that the guys flew in from VB on C17's and that took 18 hours!
They parachuted into the ocean! That's' cool as hell! At 2100 on Saturday we were headed for the area where the USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) was
already in position (several hundred miles east off of Somalia's coast).
And on Sunday there were so many parts of our engine that were broken from traveling at flank speed (full Bendix) that we stopped the shaft, engaged the jacking gear, pinned the gear and tagged it out.
I spent three watches fabricating parts, helping replace sight-flow indicators on journal bearings and running around the ship.
On Easter Sunday night at around 1530, as I was making my hourly rounds through the
hangar bay, I heard four distant rifle reports and knew exactly what had happened.
There was an orange capsule being towed by USS Bainbridge. Two SEAL snipers laying prone on the fantail with Barrett .50 cal rifles pointed at the small craft. CAPT. Richard Phillips of Vermont was swimming toward the RHIB
sitting close to the lifeboat.
When the Navy said that we want to see proof of life, the good captain jumped into the water
and started to draw fire from the pirates. The Snipers fired. I had to return to my watch station and at close of business, I
assumed my next watch: CNN's Live broadcast of speculation and grievous bullshit! I have to
decipher all of this crap for you.
At 2300 Africa time the Maersk Alabama safely docked in Mombasa, Kenya and the crew was
debriefed by the FBI for some reason.
Captain Phillips was logged onboard Boxer at 1836 and one skinny, short, pitiful-looking
(and never in a million year is he sixteen) pirate, who was escorted handcuffed despite the wounds, wearing blacked out ski goggles, through the hangar bay by like 20 marines and MA's.
He has asked for amnesty. He'll probably get a UN Trial for international piracy.
Me, four hours ago. Monday, APR 13, 2009.
At 0930 USS Boxer sits of the coast of Somalia and the Bainbridge is at her stern on
the port side in tow, the life boat containing three lifeless pirates dispatched into oblivion by the best sharpshooters in the world.
The corpses are transferred under the heaviest morgue security I've seen since President Ford's funeral to the USS Boxer's chilled holding facility. At 1000, the lifeboat from Maersk Alabama is hoisted onto Boxer's flight deck by the local crane.
Probably the most interesting Easter I've ever spent!
Looking closely at the boat, I see four large bullet holes on the STB side where "justice"
entered the pirate's mind's. Some brain matter sloshed around in the boat.
I was told before I left San Diego that I would hate the Boxer. I'll tell you now, I wouldn't rather be on any other ship. Broken parts and all, I like it.
1025 "Maersk Alabama, Departing." is heard over the 1MC. The name of the ship is used to describe the Captain as he is at the
top of the command. Personal speculation and trusted brass scuttlebutt says that our AOR
has shifted from the gulf of Aden where there aren't any pirates, to where we sit now.
16 ships and 200 hostages from various countries still remain stranded. Not for long, I predict.
As always, keeping it real on the high seas with the US Navy,
'
KEY:
SWCC, special warfare combatant crewman, brown water H&K, Heckler and Koch, famous german weapon's designer's world renound for their popular .45 cal USP (universal service pistol)
And other highly precise firearms.
CPO, Chief Petty Officer, USN, E7
VB, Virginia Beach, Virginia, East coast headquarters of Special Warfare.
DDG, Guided Missile Destroyer Flank, the fastest speed the ship can travel, equal to about 35 knots RHIB, (rib) Rigid-hulled inflatable boat
STB, Starboard (right) 1MC, numeric designation for the main announcing circuit used on U.S. Navy vessels. AOR, Area Of Responsibily, the confines within which we roam.
#15
I would imagine that the good Captain on the Bainbridge had made the decision to sacrifice his career, if necessary, in order to save the life of Capt. Philips by ordering the action. They are both 10^6 more men that the Big O could ever dream to be.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
04/19/2009 14:26 Comments ||
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#16
This may be a fine point, but I hadn't really heard The One talk about it: BHO immediately claims credit for his "daring and decisive" behaviour.
Well, did HE take credit? My perception is that the credit was heaped on him by Big News.
That said, I suppose failure to not deflect the credit to where it was due is just about as bad.
#18
Why does the whole pirate episode reminded me of Blackhawk Down?
With OBama its all 'image' and appeasement - nothing about making a stand or principal or honor. Worse then Carter. And far, far, worse then Clinton.
God save our soldiers from a CIC who will let them down or trade their lives away just to 'have the right image'. And Obama is exactly that kind of person.
Israel and Japan should take a good hard look at the president we foolishly elected - I don't think it'll be wise to depend on him (or any democrat) to support them if things get tight. It'll be another Saigon but much, much, worse.
Murtha's Earmarks Keep Airport Aloft State-of-the-Art Pennsylvania Facility Sees Few Travelers but Lots of Funding Front-page WaPo. Maybe he's irritated them?
The John Murtha airport sits on a windy mountain two hours east of Pittsburgh, a 650-acre expanse of smooth tarmac, spacious buildings, a helicopter hangar and a National Guard training center.
Inside the terminal on a recent weekday, four passengers lined up to board a flight, outnumbered by seven security staff members and supervisors, all suited up in gloves and uniforms to screen six pieces of luggage. For three hours that day, no commercial or private planes took off or landed. Three commercial flights leave the airport on weekdays, all bound for Dulles International Airport.
The key to the airport's gleaming facilities -- and, indeed, its continued existence - is $200 million in federal funds in the past decade and the powerful patron who steered most of that money here. Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.) is credited with securing at least $150 million for the airport. It was among the first in the country to win funding from this year's stimulus package: $800,000 to repave a backup runway.
The facility, newly renamed the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport, is a testament to Murtha's ability to tap streams of federal money for pricey, state-of-the-art projects that are rare among regional airports of comparable size.
Murtha, dubbed the King of Pork by critics, consistently directs more federal money to his district than any other congressman - $192 million in the 2008 budget. His pattern of steering millions in earmarks to defense contractors who give to his campaign and hire his allies as lobbyists is being scrutinized by the FBI as part of an investigation of a lobbying firm led by one of Murtha's closest friends.
The lawmaker, who uses the airport frequently during his campaigns, has steadily steered millions of taxpayer dollars to it to build a new terminal with a restaurant; a long, concrete runway sturdy enough to handle large jets; and a high-tech radar system usually reserved for international airports.
The airport's passenger count has fallen by more than half in the past 10 years. When Johnstown native Bill Previte arrived on a recent morning, he lamented that his plane was half-empty and that the terminal was deserted.
"Doesn't it seem kind of ridiculous to have a motorized carousel for the baggage claim when 15 people get off the airplane?" he said. "It's obvious: There's not enough population to justify this place." The John Murtha International Airport. Sad. But typical.
Posted by: Bobby ||
04/19/2009 07:08 ||
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#1
Front-page WaPo. Maybe he's irritated them?
Not sure. I've subscribed for a time now that I'm in the area so I can track all their stories, not just the ones featured on their site. I think they're going after the defense contractors and lobbyists through Murtha, but I haven't tracked it long enough to be sure.
#4
In a Murtha-related item, while the Court of Appeals dismissed a suit for libel about the Haditha Marines, another suit was allowed to go forward as amended - indicating that since he as a member of the legislative branch, was commenting (read lying) about an investigation being run by the executive branch, he was not "acting in his role as a government official".
Posted by: Caesar Omusort7071 ||
04/19/2009 16:31 Comments ||
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Interesting that these "leaders" felt they had the freedom to dress down the United States before our President. Tells you what they really think of him.
Latin American leaders railed against the U.S. during President Barack Obamas first trip to the region, turning what was intended to mark a new direction in relations into a history lesson that chastised Yankee troop interventions and U.S.-dictated economic policies.
Obama arrived at the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago yesterday promising to listen and learn from regional leaders. He got an earful.
In the weekends first speeches, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner voiced grievances on issues ranging from the U.S. drug war to American support for counterinsurgency movements of the 1980s. Both urged Obama to end the 47-year-old trade embargo against Cuba, the only country in the Americas excluded from the 34-nation summit.
For many years, there have been traumatic relations, Fernandez said. I want you to know, Obama, that this is in no way a reproach against you. Its simply an exercise to look back at what happened.
Obama is trying to revive U.S. influence in Latin America that waned under President George W. Bush as the war on terror diverted attention to the Middle East and the region expanded economic and diplomatic ties with U.S. rivals such as Russia and China.
Chavezs Gift
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who last month called Obama an ignoramus when it comes to Latin America, today gave Obama a Spanish-language copy of Uruguayan historian Eduardo Galeanos book Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent.
Chavez greeted Obama yesterday with a hand shake, signaling the good will Obamas election has generated even among Americas fiercest critics in Latin America.
Ortega, who said he was upset that he was forced to wait for three hours on the tarmac after landing, spoke for 45 minutes. His speech included a reference to invasion by Yankee troops.
Nicaraguas president said he was ashamed Cuba wasnt invited to participate in the summit and called Obamas lifting last week of travel and remittance restrictions for Cuban- Americans insufficient and inacceptable.
Big Test
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told Obama during a meeting today with leaders from the Union of South American Nations that another Summit of the Americas without Cuba was unacceptable.
The big test is progress in relations with Cuba, said Brazils Foreign Minister Celso Amorim. A small step was taken in the right direction. But there needs to be direct dialogue, discreet in the beginning. Thats what Lula told Obama needs to take place.
Cuba is symbolically important to the regions leaders, many of whom entered politics under military regimes and looked to the communist country and its longtime leader Fidel Castro, 82, for inspiration and support.
Kirchner and Ortega were there to push the envelope, said Congressman Gregory Meeks, a New York Democrat who attended last nights opening ceremony. I dont think that was a surprise to anyone in this room, though it took Ortega some time to do it. But Obama rose above it.
Obama, speaking after Ortega and Fernandez, said the U.S. is seeking a new beginning in its relationship with Cuba and wants an equal partnership with other countries in the Americas.
Regional leaders cannot let ourselves be prisoners of past disagreements, Obama said.
You cant blame the U.S. for every problem in this hemisphere, Obama said. I am very grateful that President Ortega didnt blame me for things that happened when I was three months old.
#2
The United States HAS intervened in Latin America a number of times, the latest being in Grenada and Panama. Most of the time, that intervention has been necessary to secure the freedom of US citizens from a hostile government. That was back when the US had decisive leadership. I doubt any of those "Latin American Leaders" would have had the courage to speak that way to Ronald Reagan.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
04/19/2009 16:02 Comments ||
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#3
Obama's "I Hate America Too" World Tour continues.
#4
Old Patriot, if they would have spoken to him, I am certain they would have called him President Reagan, not simply Reagan. Little Crissy wasn't showing Obama much respect, IMHO.
#5
Regional leaders "cannot let ourselves be prisoners of past disagreements," Obama said.
Like numerous South American bank loan defaults in the 80s. Hey, everyone is doing it now. Then the 'loses' were made up by the banks maintaining high interest rates on American consumers. This time around its Washington doing the same thing. That's why Obama can see eye to eye with the autocrats.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) The United States will not attend a United Nations conference on racism in Geneva next week because of objectionable language in a declaration prepared for the meeting, the State Department said on Saturday.
The United States said previously that it would skip the meeting unless its concerns about language that it believed endorsed anti-Semitism and restrictions on free speech were addressed. It now seems certain these remaining concerns will not be addressed, said Robert Wood, the departments spokesman.
Good decision.
Posted by: Steve White ||
04/19/2009 00:00 ||
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#1
Nevertheless, the conference's edicts will become the new "international law" zealously implemented by USA courts and its ivy-league educated bureaucracy.
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
Murtha's Earmarks Keep Airport Aloft
