In a shocking turn of events, a group of pirates off the coast of the Gulf of Aden mistakenly opened fire on a U.S. Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, igniting a rapid and decisive military response. At 0612 local time, the helicopter, call sign Saber 71, was conducting routine surveillance over the Liberian-flagged tanker Endeavor Spirit when five armed men in a skiff launched an unprovoked attack, firing AK-47s and an RPG at the aircraft.

The crew of Saber 71 quickly assessed the threat, executing evasive maneuvers and preparing for a potential firefight. Within moments, the USS Mason, a guided missile destroyer nearby, confirmed the hostile act and authorized a proportional response. The situation escalated as Saber 71 deployed countermeasure flares and initiated a warning fire across the bow of the skiff, forcing the pirates to abandon their weapons and comply with orders.

As U.S. Navy teams launched Lancer 72 to provide aerial support, heavily armed RHIBs (rigid-hulled inflatable boats) were deployed to intercept the pirates. The skiff, now immobilized and under surveillance, was boarded by the U.S. Navy’s highly trained VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) teams, resulting in the arrest of the pirates and the recovery of their weapons and communication devices.

This incident underscores the escalating threat of piracy in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors and serves as a stark reminder of the U.S. Navy’s formidable presence in the region. The quick and calculated response from Saber 71 and the USS Mason not only neutralized the immediate threat but also sent a clear message: attacking U.S. forces will not be tolerated. As tensions rise in these lawless waters, the Navy remains vigilant, ready to respond to any further provocations.