We are acting against them off of Somalia, at least, though hardly in the manner they deserve:
The guided missile destroyer Winston S. Churchill and other U.S. naval forces located the vessel after receiving a report of an attempted act of piracy, but it failed to respond to orders to stop.
"Churchill began aggressive maneuvering in an attempt to stop the vessel. The vessel continued on its course and speed. (Then) Churchill fired warning shots," said a Navy statement.
"(Later) Churchill fired additional warning shots, and at that time the crew of the suspect pirate vessel established communications by radio and indicated that they would begin sending personnel to the Churchill via their small boat in tow."
The crewmembers were seized and U.S. Navy sailors who boarded the vessel discovered small-arms weapons on board, the statement said. It did not say how many suspects were held.
I'm glad we acted. But I'm upset that we would fire warning shots at pirates when traditional methods should have been used. I don't know why we needed to fire more than one shell right into the hull. Consider that a warning shot to other pirates.
