Bravo Zulu to South Korean Commandos

Bruce Klingner / January 25, 2011

Bravo Zulu is navy parlance for “job well done.” South Korea’s naval commandos certainly earned that accolade by successfully rescuing all 21 hostages held aboard a South Korean freighter.

On January 15, pirates armed with automatic rifles, heavy machine guns, and rocket-propelled grenades seized the Samho Jewelry ship 800 miles off the Somali coast. In an early morning attack, a South Korean SEAL unit seized control of the ship and freed all hostages. Eight pirates were killed, five were wounded, and none escaped.

The daring rescue was fraught with risk. Seizing a ship from heavily armed opponents while on the high seas is exceedingly difficult. That it was done flawlessly is a testament to the professionalism, dedication, and bravery of the South Korean SEALs. South Korean President Lee Myung-bak also deserves credit for authorizing the dangerous mission. He subsequently vowed to protect his countrymen, declaring, “Anything that threatens the life and safety of our citizens will not be tolerated.” (more…)