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Africa Horn
USS Farragut Stops Pirate Attack
2010-04-24
A more detailed account of last Friday's action against Somali pirates.

From the article:

Pirates attacked the bulk cargo carrier Thor Traveler with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades for about 10 minutes, trying to force the ship to heave to, according to an announcement from 5th Fleet. The ship's master did not stop, called for help from the international counter-piracy task force, and the Farragut responded at flank speed.

Still in early-morning darkness, Farragut's SH-60B Seahawk helicopter -- from Helicopter Light Anti-Submarine Squadron 42, the "Proud Warriors" -- spotted the pirate skiff as it tried to escape.
Posted by:badanov

#4  

Orion pirates are the worst.
Posted by: Mizzou Mafia   2010-04-24 15:09  

#3   “A boarding team then confiscated further items of pirate paraphernalia. To prevent the suspected pirates from conducting any more attacks, the skiff was instructed to head back to the Somali coast.”
This response after a 10 minute assault rifle and RPG attack? This is certainly not the action that will discourage further attempts at hijacking for ransom. Turn 'em into chum, they won't be back.
Posted by: Flapper Scourge of the Algonquins4926   2010-04-24 14:23  

#2  I don't think the SH-60B carries any armament. The Wikipedia article says it can carry a 7.62mm machine gun, but that may not have been on this particular helo. The Seahawk is primarily an antisubmarine platform, with dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and torpedoes.
As a side note, I served aboard the USS Coontz (DLG-9, later DDG-40), sister ship to the USS Farragut (DLG-6, later DDG-37). This is not the same Farragut, however. It is an Arleigh Burke class DD (DDG-99).
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia   2010-04-24 13:56  

#1  Still in early-morning darkness, Farragut's SH-60B Seahawk helicopter -- from Helicopter Light Anti-Submarine Squadron 42, the "Proud Warriors" -- spotted the pirate skiff as it tried to escape.

and for some reason did not destroy it as an object lesson to the region. but rather likely escorted it back to the mother ship to ensure none of the pirates needed rescue or navigation assistance
Posted by: abu do you love   2010-04-24 11:56  

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