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Old 08-27-2009, 08:19   #1
akv
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Somali Pirates fire at USN Helicopter

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Aug. 27, 2009
Pirates Shoot at U.S. Navy Helicopter

Bandits Aboard Hijacked Taiwanese Fishing Vessel Take Aim with "Large Caliber Weapon" But Miss

(AP) The U.S. Navy says one of its helicopters was fired on by Somali pirates holding a hijacked ship off the coast of Somalia. "The Navy says the chopper was making a surveillance flight yesterday over the Taiwanese-flagged fishing vessel when the pirates opened fire with "a large caliber weapon." The helicopter did not return fire. According to the Navy, the helicopter from the USS Chancellorsville was not hit and there were no injuries. A spokesman for the 5th Fleet says it marks the first time pirates have shot at U.S. Navy helicopters conducting daily surveillance flights over areas where pirates anchor hijacked vessels and await ransom. Since seizing the ship and its 30-member crew in the Gulf of Aden in April, the pirates have used the vessel as a base for attacking other commercial ships, including the U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama. The Navy says four other merchant ships and 105 crewmembers are currently being held by pirates near the Win Far. "

This country needs a Hobbesian reality check, bomb the pirate docks.
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Old 08-27-2009, 19:27   #2
Sigaba
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Photos of the pirates firing upon the helicopter are here and there.

The U.S. Navy's press release is here.
Quote:
During the flight, aircrew observed activity but could not ascertain they were fired upon until their return to [the] Chancellorsville and review of Forward Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR) video, which recorded the incident. The helicopter was approximately 3,000 yards from [the] Win Far when it was fired upon.
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Old 08-28-2009, 10:31   #3
Utah Bob
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What definition are they using for "large caliber"?
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Old 08-28-2009, 11:33   #4
Remington Raidr
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The Navy has already shown the pirates they don't waste ammo.
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Old 08-28-2009, 13:02   #5
Pete S
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Utah Bob View Post
What definition are they using for "large caliber"?
"Large caliber" I think means not a rocket, not a machine gun, but still very dangerous.

No muzzle flashes in the photos?
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