Obama: Captain's release, U.S. resolve

[babylonsister]

Obama: Captain's release, U.S. resolve
Posted April 12, 2009 6:30 PM
The Swamp

by Mark Silva


With the rescue today of mariner Richard Phillips, captain of the pirate-attacked Maersk Alabama, President Barack Obama vowed that the United States is "resolved to halt the rise of piracy in this region.''

Obama, who telephoned Phillips today aboard the USS Boxer, also called the captain of the USS Bainbridge, the first U.S. warship to arrive on the scene after the U.S.-flagged container ship rebuffed a pirate attack, only to have its captain taken by several pirates in an unpowered lifeboat. Obama also called Vice Adm. William McRaven, commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, to express appreciation for the work of the military in securing Phillips' release.

"I am very pleased that Captain Phillips has been rescued and is safely on board the USS Boxer,'' Obama said in a statement issued by the White House. "His safety has been our principal concern, and I know this is a welcome relief to his family and his crew. I am also very proud of the efforts of the U.S. military and many other departments and agencies who worked tirelessly to secure Captain Phillips's safe recovery.

"We remain resolved to halt the rise of piracy in this region,'' Obama said. "To achieve that goal, we must continue to work with our partners to prevent future attacks, be prepared to interdict acts of piracy and ensure that those who commit acts of piracy are held accountable for their crimes.

"I share the country's admiration for the bravery of Captain Phillips and his selfless concern for his crew,'' the president said. "His courage is a model for all Americans.''

The White House also produced a step-by-step accounting of the president's involvement in the situation since being briefed about the developments of the hjijacked ship early on the morning of April 8, after arriving at Andrews Air Force Base before dawn on his return from Iraq and a tour of Europe.

Following days of repeated briefings and updates from the Situation Room and an interagency maritime response group including the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the National Security Council and Homeland Security, a senior-level secure video teleconference was held Saturday, and the National Security Council updated Obama on planning for hostage contingencies.


http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/

[Bobbieo]

1. Isn't Obama the best prez we have had in many years!

[babylonsister]

3. I think he's pretty great.

I am so relieved that idiot son or McCain didn't have to worry themselves about this, and we didn't have to live in dread they'd mess it up.
There will be lots of other challenges, but I think we're in good hands.

[liberaltrucker]

2. In other words: Don't fuck with American merchant ships, assholes

I said it for you, Mr President.

:patriot: