FRIDAY FOTO (Jan. 15, 2010)

U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Edgington

Patrolling for Pirates

With all the excellent news coverage of earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, 4G WAR thought it might be worth noticing what the U.S. military is doing elsewhere in the world, say, in the waters between Africa and the Middle East. Here we see Coast Guard Ensign Victor Nitividad (left) and Navy Cryptology Technician 3rd Class Matthew Hunter– both from the guided missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG65) — prepare to board a dhow in the Gulf of Aden. The Ticonderoga-class Chosin is the flagship of Combined Joint Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct counterpiracy off the coast of Somalia. The ensign is a member the Coast Guard’s maritime safety and security team, while the sailor is a member of Chosin’s visit, board, search and seizure team. They both look like they’re prepared for more than just a visit. (Let us know if you disagree with our decision to skip Haiti for the Friday Foto.)