Golden Nori [Image 4 of 5]

AT SEA

12.13.2007

Courtesy Photo

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

Merchant vessel Golden Nori refuels with dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) following its release from pirates, Dec. 12. Somalia-based pirates seized the Panamanian-flagged vessel, Oct. 28, and held the 23-man crew hostage in Somali territorial waters. Whidbey Island is deployed to the US Navy 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Maritime Security Operations. Coalition forces conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region. The release marks the first time in more than a year that no ships are held by Somali pirates. (U.S. Navy photo/Seaman David Brown)

• Date Taken: 12.13.2007
• Date Posted: 12.14.2007 10:32
• Photo ID: 68808
• VIRIN: 071213-N-9033B-001
• Resolution: 2100x1500
• Size: 367.83 KB
• Location: AT SEA