Doc, I got the message from the hostage that action was what was required and that the British Navy made fools of themselves. I think that it is too cold in Montana. {;*)) He said that he was willing to die in such an action for the example it would set to the pirates! The British ship took direct fire and did not return it! Royal Marine snipers could have taken out individual gunmen. Personally, I like coming alongside and boarding - so you lose some paint. Ron