Fewer excuses

Somalia opens the door.

Somalia authorized foreign powers on Wednesday to use force against pirates holding a ship loaded with tanks for $20 million ransom, raising the stakes for bandits being watched by the U.S. Navy.

There was no indications, however, that the Americans or anyone else was preparing to take action.

EU makes a decision after the usual subjects prevented NATO from doing anything.

The European Union (EU) is planning to launch an anti-piracy operation off the coast of Somalia where a stand-off continues between several warships and pirates who have hijacked a ship.

Which, of course, begs the question; what the h311 is CTF-150 for?

Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 established near the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom, conducts Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

MSO help develop security in the maritime environment, which promotes stability and global prosperity. These operations complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Since its inception, CTF 150 has been commanded by France, Netherlands, UK and Pakistan and Canada. Danish Royal Navy Commodore Per Bigum Christensen currently commands CTF 150.

I guess this is some way to get Europe to do something - which they think they can do. Then again, NATO thought it could take care of Afghanistan with all the European caveats - so we'll see if the Europeans will give their Sailors and Marines the right ROE to do the job.

Good luck guys - I know you can do it if just your politicians will let you. Oh, and what EU Navy HQ will run this show .... oh that's right, the EU doesn't have one.

Well, NATO does have a Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 outside London - you could use them. Run down the NATO flag, run up the EU flag and there you go. When you get to HOA, say hi to the Danish Commander of CTF-150 .... Europeans.

My answer is something like Ralph's.

Sink them or board them, kill them or hang them.