Photo: Capt. Richard Phillips, right, master of the cargo ship Maersk-Alabama, who had been captured by pirates, stands alongside U.S. Navy Cmdr. Frank Castellano, commanding officer of USS Bainbridge after being rescued by U.S Naval Forces off the coast of Somalia. Philips was held hostage for four days by the pirates. U.S. Navy photoFrom Ex-Liberal In Hollywood:
Subject: AH, now it comes out
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
Read more ....
My Comment: I have checked up on my sources .... but I have found no confirmation on this story. The main stream media has definitely not followed up on what were the rules of engagement for this operation .... nor has a number of my more reliable military and national security bloggers who would cover such stories. Any feedback from the readership on this story would be appreciated.
1 comment:
Regarding ROE (Rules of Engagement), there already was a standing ROE that allowed forces on scene authority to use deadly force in a situation where Captain Phillips was in danger. There was no need for a Presidential decision to tell the Navy that it could use deadly force to save a life, as they already had that. . This was reiterated by CentCom Commander Admiral Gortney in his press conference. (below). I have seen nothing to suggest that that standing ROE was changed.
ADM GORTNEY: Well, we had very clear guidance and authority that at any time the on-scene commander felt that Captain Phillips life was in danger that they could take action to make sure that it was not. And that is what occurred at this particular time.
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