MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- U.S. and coalition maritime interception forces (MIF) operating in the North Arabian Gulf apprehended four suspected bandits Sept. 29 after they allegedly robbed several cargo dhows. At approximately 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29, several dhows made emergency radio calls, claiming that a speedboat filled with four men approached their vessels and stole items at gunpoint.
"Yar, we be pirates! Hand over your booty or eat lead!"
USS Fletcher (DD 992) directed its SH-60B Seahawk helicopter to investigate. The helicopter, from HSL-45âs âWolfpack,â was already airborne about 15 miles north of the dhows supporting another mission when the distress calls were received. Using their forward-looking infrared radar, the San Diego-based helicopter crew quickly found a small speedboat with four persons loitering in the area. Once the boat became aware of the helicopterâs presence, it accelerated and headed on a northernly course.
"Yar, we be...Holy shit, Evinrude donât fail me now!"
Fletcher dispatched its boarding team in the destroyerâs small boat, which intercepted the speedboat after a brief chase. The SH-60 crew maintained constant aerial surveillance of the speedboat, and aided Fletcherâs boarding team in the final moments of the chase by hovering closely over the alleged thieves.
"Jeez, L.T., you just took his turban off!"
Fletcherâs boarding team inspected the speedboat, and found several brand new tires, dozens of blankets, 20 flashlights and boxes of batteries strewn about. The items found matched the description of items reported stolen by the dhows. The Australian Navy frigate HMAS Newcastle (FFG 6) dispatched a liaison officer and a translator to assist with the questioning of the four suspects. USS Firebolt (PC 10) arrived on scene with Miami-based U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 407, who performed a thorough search of the suspects and their vessel.
A destroyer, a frigate, and a 170 ft Cyclone class patrol boat, I believe this is called "piling on". 
|
