USNS Rappahannock fires after vessel ignores warnings

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

07.16.2012

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

By U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

FIFTH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS - An embarked security team aboard a U.S. Navy vessel fired upon a small motor vessel after it disregarded warnings and rapidly approached the U.S. ship near Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates today.

In accordance with Navy force protection procedures, the sailors on the USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) used a series of non-lethal, preplanned responses to warn the vessel before resorting to lethal force.

The U.S. crew repeatedly attempted to warn the vessel's operators to turn away from their deliberate approach. When those efforts failed to deter the approaching vessel, the security team on the Rappahannock fired rounds from a .50-caliber machine gun.

The incident is under investigation.

• Date Taken: 07.16.2012
• Date Posted: 07.16.2012 12:53
• Story ID: 91609
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)