Maersk Alabama Crew Repels Suspected Pirate Attack
MANAMA, Bahrain, Nov. 18, 2009 - The U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama's security team repelled an attack from suspected pirates this morning 560 nautical miles off the northeastern coast of Somalia, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command officials reported. Four suspected pirates in a skiff came within 300 yards of the Maersk Alabama and used small-arms weapons in an attempt to board the ship.The ship's security team responded with evasive maneuvers, long-range acoustic devices and small-arms fire, causing the suspected pirates to break off their attack. The acoustic devices emit a high-pitched sound that can be painful to human ears. "Due to Maersk Alabama following maritime industry's best [anti-piracy] practices such as embarking security teams…
Bataan Strike Group Returns to 2nd Fleet
Amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) pulls out of the Naval Station Rota Harbor. Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group conducted a port visit to Rota after conducting maritime operations in support of the global war on terrorism. U.S. The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and elements of the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) successfully entered the U.S. 2nd Fleet area of operations (AOO) on June 26, as the group sailed west across the Atlantic Ocean. Bataan ESG stayed busy in the 6th Fleet AOO for approximately three weeks before making the trip toward home. As the flagship of the ESG, Bataan accomplished both internal unit level goals and assignments from the fleet commander during that time.
