Somali Pirates Free North Korean Chemical Tanker GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 13, 2007) Merchant vessel Golden Nori refuels with the U.S. Navy dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) following its release from Somalia-based pirates Dec. 12. Pirates seized the Panamanian-flagged vessel Oct. 28 and held the 23-man crew hostage in Somali territorial waters. The release marks the first time in more than a year that no ships are held by Somali pirates. Whidbey Island is deployed to the U.S. Navy 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Maritime Security Operations. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman David Brown (Released)...
