The movie "Captain Phillips" was quite moving and emotional. It brought to our homes the reality of the dangers working the waters around the Horn of Africa. Places such as Somalia and the countries and islands of the area are a hot bed of anxious adventurer pirates that actively seek, not too unlike Al Qaeda, for opportunities to capture ships and/or hold working men and women hostage. All their efforts for nothing more than money. In 2009 they succeeded in briefly hijacking a Maersk Line container cargo ship that was bound for Mombasa, Kenya. Opportunities like this are difficult to deprogram from the minds of the countless who are already in destitute and poverty stricken situations.
It is enlightening to witness from the comforts of our homes in America the various movies based on actual events. World Trade Center is among them. It stirs sympathetic feelings and new appreciation for not only the working men and women who put their lives in harm's way daily, but also the military, Navy Seals and first responders who may be called upon to rescue civilians or resolve a potentially deadly situation. Unfortunately it is the price of progress in a fast world needing goods and services shipped around the globe in a timely fashion.
In February of 2014 it seems the storyline and danger of the Maersk Alabama continues from it's commencing piracy chapter from 2009. Apparently two former Navy Seals were found dead recently aboard this very ship. These men were employed by the Trident Group who are a collective of experts dealing with maritime security. It is still early for hard information but could this be stemming from an ongoing effort of a faction in the Seychelles islands bent on retribution? It's entirely possible. Needless to say that the Maersk Alabama is a modern testament that lives are still at stake as ship pass through the Horn of Africa.
This post is not intended to rehash the details of this incident. There are much better places to visit for that. Here it is the desire to express the urgency of the moment. In an effort to thwart opportunists it is important to realize the extent being made to secure many of the products that you bring into your home. The divisions between countries who prosper and those who do not grow every day. Bitterness and hatred heaps up against the United States. This offensive attitude is often a result of jealousy and envy for American prosperity. Around the Horn of Africa natives see this displayed often with the ships that pass by. Let's not be misunderstood. This does not validate attacking container ships from any country. It does, however, illustrate that to these desperate opportunists they view these gems of the sea as quick money sold to the highest bidder.
What does the future hold for security in international waters? With growing dissension among the ranks of nations from the elite powers down to even third world countries, entities such as the Trident Group will be an increasing necessity upon troubled waters. Not all the product carried comes to the United States. In fact, through the Horn of Africa only a fraction of that product sees our domestic ports. Nevertheless, in order to be proactive in securing our homeland and our citizens abroad it is essential to produce our various products within our United States boundaries. This would include above all - energy.
It is vitally important that we support the armed security aboard these vessels. Millions benefit from the movement of these containers and assuring that passage remains imperative. We are not going to change the minds or alter the paths these natives are choosing by the day. So long as the desire for money darkens the heart of the young and their countries remain in political unrest, then further elaborate plans will be carried out on shipping lanes around the Horn of Africa and elsewhere around the globe. As far as the United States is concerned the more we resolve to produce more of our goods and fuels within our boundaries the less we'll be relying on foreign support. Yet, like I said, only a fraction of that product reaches U.S. ports.
Shipping lines have taken great strides in updating and securing their vessels for the safety of their product and more importantly their staff. After all these incidences of piracy cost the shipping industry about $7 billion in cost. It is evident that more needs to take place since there is obviously still interest from opportunist tribal factions. Cautiously, the news of late has been encouraging. Since 2006 piracy has fallen to it's lowest level. Many attribute this to armed security personnel stationed on at least 80% of all containers ships and tankers. Clearly this is an effective deterrent for the vast majority.
Piracy and terrorism are real problems and costly ones at that. We need to be supporting these men as the fight continues.
It is enlightening to witness from the comforts of our homes in America the various movies based on actual events. World Trade Center is among them. It stirs sympathetic feelings and new appreciation for not only the working men and women who put their lives in harm's way daily, but also the military, Navy Seals and first responders who may be called upon to rescue civilians or resolve a potentially deadly situation. Unfortunately it is the price of progress in a fast world needing goods and services shipped around the globe in a timely fashion.
In February of 2014 it seems the storyline and danger of the Maersk Alabama continues from it's commencing piracy chapter from 2009. Apparently two former Navy Seals were found dead recently aboard this very ship. These men were employed by the Trident Group who are a collective of experts dealing with maritime security. It is still early for hard information but could this be stemming from an ongoing effort of a faction in the Seychelles islands bent on retribution? It's entirely possible. Needless to say that the Maersk Alabama is a modern testament that lives are still at stake as ship pass through the Horn of Africa.
This post is not intended to rehash the details of this incident. There are much better places to visit for that. Here it is the desire to express the urgency of the moment. In an effort to thwart opportunists it is important to realize the extent being made to secure many of the products that you bring into your home. The divisions between countries who prosper and those who do not grow every day. Bitterness and hatred heaps up against the United States. This offensive attitude is often a result of jealousy and envy for American prosperity. Around the Horn of Africa natives see this displayed often with the ships that pass by. Let's not be misunderstood. This does not validate attacking container ships from any country. It does, however, illustrate that to these desperate opportunists they view these gems of the sea as quick money sold to the highest bidder.
What does the future hold for security in international waters? With growing dissension among the ranks of nations from the elite powers down to even third world countries, entities such as the Trident Group will be an increasing necessity upon troubled waters. Not all the product carried comes to the United States. In fact, through the Horn of Africa only a fraction of that product sees our domestic ports. Nevertheless, in order to be proactive in securing our homeland and our citizens abroad it is essential to produce our various products within our United States boundaries. This would include above all - energy.
It is vitally important that we support the armed security aboard these vessels. Millions benefit from the movement of these containers and assuring that passage remains imperative. We are not going to change the minds or alter the paths these natives are choosing by the day. So long as the desire for money darkens the heart of the young and their countries remain in political unrest, then further elaborate plans will be carried out on shipping lanes around the Horn of Africa and elsewhere around the globe. As far as the United States is concerned the more we resolve to produce more of our goods and fuels within our boundaries the less we'll be relying on foreign support. Yet, like I said, only a fraction of that product reaches U.S. ports.
Shipping lines have taken great strides in updating and securing their vessels for the safety of their product and more importantly their staff. After all these incidences of piracy cost the shipping industry about $7 billion in cost. It is evident that more needs to take place since there is obviously still interest from opportunist tribal factions. Cautiously, the news of late has been encouraging. Since 2006 piracy has fallen to it's lowest level. Many attribute this to armed security personnel stationed on at least 80% of all containers ships and tankers. Clearly this is an effective deterrent for the vast majority.
Piracy and terrorism are real problems and costly ones at that. We need to be supporting these men as the fight continues.
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