The US Navy does not have the capabilities to patrol the million square mile area in which the Somali pirates now operate. Also most ship owners do not wish to incur the cost or delay involved in forming up convoys to travel through the region. Blaming the US Navy for the attempted hijacking of the Alabama is simply wrong. Their current inaction regarding assisting Captain Phillips is another matter.

Finally, the focus on flag is misplaced. The US relies on ships flying the flags all nations to move natural resources and manufactured goods to and from our shores. All that can reasonably done to protect US flag ships should be done. The same applies to shipping in general in pirate infested waters. This will require cooperation across national navies. A good place to start is with the revision of the UN's unreasonably restrictive rules of engagement.

Rick
http://www.oldsaltblog.com

A few facts to help put this all in context - as of the end of last year no ship traveling above 15 knots had been successfully hijacked.

Maersk's standards for their ships traveling through the region were that no ship slower than 18 knots or with less than 10 M of freeboard would travel except in a convoy. The Alabama was faster than 18 knots and had a freeboard, as loaded, greater than 10 M. It was reasonable to believe based on recent experience that the Alabama would not be a target of pirates. It turned out to be the wrong decision but it was not made lightly or rashly.

Rick
http://www.oldsaltblog.com