US Navy Thwarts Piracy Attempt (Photos)

ARABIAN SEA (March 25, 2011) American sailors and aviators assigned to the guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) thwart a pirate attack on board the Phillipine-flagged bulk carrier Falcon Trader II. Images by US Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Robert Guerra

Chief Fire Controlman Nathan P. Rose, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) assistant boarding officer, addresses the VBSS team prior to boarding the Philippine-flagged merchant vessel Falcon Trader II, which had sent out a distress call reporting it had been boarded by pirates. Leyte Gulf is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to conduct maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy/Released)

Leyte Gulf crew members are lowered into the water prior to an early morning VBSS operation aboard the Philippine-flagged merchant vessel Falcon Trader II. (U.S. Navy/Released)

An SH-60B helicopter from Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 48 and a rigid hull inflatable boat from Leyte Gulf monitor the Philippine-flagged merchant vessel Falcon Trader II which had sent out a distress call reporting it had been boarded by pirates. Helicopters from Leyte Gulf and USS Enterprise responded to the call and were able to disrupt the attack. (U.S. Navy/Released)