San Antonio to return to Norfolk after anti-piracy tour

By Meredith Kruse
The Virginian-Pilot
© February 7, 2009

NORFOLK

As one Norfolk-based Navy ship prepares to return home from chasing pirates in the Gulf of Aden, two others continue to respond to the threat against merchant ships.

The amphibious transport dock San Antonio, which has been the flagship for the Navy's new anti-piracy group launched in January, was relieved Wednesday by the guided-missile cruiser Vella Gulf. The group, known as Combined Task Force 151, operates in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

Rear Adm. Terry Mc-Knight's transfer from the San Antonio to the Vella Gulf was a regularly scheduled turnover, said Cmdr. Jane Campbell, a spokeswoman for the Navy's 5th Fleet in Bahrain. The San Antonio left Norfolk on Aug. 28 on its first deployment, which was interrupted by malfunctions that required repairs in a shipyard in Bahrain.

The Vella Gulf's commanding officer, Capt. Mark Genung, said the ship's SH-60B Seahawk helicopters give it an "unparalleled" ability to spot possible pirate ships.

Meanwhile, sailors from the destroyer Mason brought food, water and medical help to the crew of the MV Faina after it was freed by pirates Thursday off the coast of Somalia, according to a Navy news release. The ship had been held more than four months and was released after a $3.2 million ransom payment, The Associated Press reported.

The ship originally had a crew of 21, but its captain reportedly suffered a heart attack soon after being taken hostage, the Navy said. The pirates refused to turn over his remains.

Eight ships and nearly 150 merchant mariners are still being held hostage by pirates, according to the Navy.

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piracy

Submitted by p-town jonnie on Sat, 02/07/2009 at 7:36 pm.

The Somalia coastline is about 2400 miles long. Most Navy's able to deploy to the area for any length of time have far fewer ships than we have. Blaming NATO is short-sighted. Without a ship every 10 miles or so, you cannot stop all the little go-fast pirate ships. It's the same whack-a-mole game we play with terrorist groups, whcih is all pirates are. Only difference is that they are motivated by bucks instead of ideology.

Piracy off Samalia

Submitted by digiroad on Fri, 02/06/2009 at 7:56 pm.

The free world needs to unite against the barbaric acts of the pirates! We've got to send a clear message that these acts will not be tolerated. Why isn't the U.N. doing anything? Ship and ship being siezed, crews being held for million dollar ransoms without repercussions...They are growing bolder, more sophysticated, and the world stands by, as though in a stupor! Where is the leadership on this?