Official: Obama granted use of appropriate force to rescue captain

By GottaLaff

Just to follow up my earlier posts on the rescue:

President Obama granted two separate requests from the Defense Department to go forward with a military operation to rescue Captain Richard Phillips, an administration official tells CNN.

Obama granted the authority to use appropriate force with the focus on saving and protecting Phillips’ life. The requests were made by the Pentagon Friday and Saturday. For technical reasons, authority was granted two different times, according to the official, because different U.S. forces moved in the region near the coast of Somalia.

CNN has also learned that Obama has phoned Phillips on board the USS Boxer as well as Phillips’ wife and family at their home in Vermont.

Wow, what an inept commander in chief he's turned out to be. Someone call the Rushpublics and tell them how sorry we are to have ever doubted them.

Statement from President Obama on the rescue of Captain Phillips

By GottaLaff

Here you go:

President Obama released the following statement on the release of Captain Phillips:

"I am very pleased that Captain Phillips has been rescued and is safely on board the USS Boxer. 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. 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. His courage is a model for all Americans."

From the Tweets I'm reading, the righties are giving General Petraeus credit, Captain Phillips got credit for saving himself, but President Obama had nothing to do with it.

BREAKING: U.S. Cargo Ship Captain Freed

By GottaLaff

CNN just reported. More soon.

UPDATE:

The U.S. cargo ship captain has been released. A very happy Easter for everyone involved.

His friend is confirming on CNN.

Barbara Starr reporting that he is free. He is being offered medical care on board Navy ship. He'll be helicoptered to nearest spot, where he will be flown home on a military flight or even a commercial flight.

State Department correspondent in London: Initial reports from senior U.S. official indicate that he was freed, 3 pirates were killed, one in custody. He is on the U.S.S. Bainbridge (sp?), NOT injured, he's okay.

These are only initial reports.

The family has known for several hours, apparently. So, the family confirms!

Phillips is being hailed as a hero by his neighbors, etc.

Sources: Captain jumped overboard for a second time. That created the opportunity.

Note to world: Piracy is still a major issue. Stay on it.