0712139033B-005 GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 13, 2007) Merchant vessel Golden Nori refuels with the 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 Navy 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Maritime Security Operations. Navy

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