A plan implemented in 2006 brought unified U.S. responses to transnational maritime threats. It provides a template for interagency cooperation as such threats expand in scope and complexity.
A pirate attack in the Gulf of Aden was imminent when the crew of the MV Magellan Star retreated to a secure room, or citadel, on board their ship and sent distress messages. Within 24 hours, U.S. Marines boarded and regained control of the Antigua-Barbuda-flagged container ship without a shot being fired. 1 That U.S operation in 2010 was remarkably successful: The Magellan Star crew of 11 was safe, and the Somalis who attacked the vessel were detained.
