How has the use of force to rescue Captain Phillips changed what shippers and insurers are doing?

It's pretty remarkable that, in this first decade in the 21st century, that we should be having a hearing on the issue of piracy, particularly involving pirate attacks on the coast of Africa.

What is the capacity of the Kenyan judicial system to manage these cases?

the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips of the Maersk Alabama was a flawless special operations mission.

We do not believe there is any maximum time under the law, but we can assure you that we try to get them off the ship as soon as possible.

If the evidence is insufficient for prosecution, we release them. But before doing so, we will confiscate and destroy their weapons and other paraphernalia.

Nigeria has always been a problem, all the way back to Sani Abacha and Obisanjo. I think it's more of a leadership problem than anything else.

Constant communications and collaboration--among the interagency and among military forces--were essential to conduct this operation successfully.

We will destroy any skiffs as long as they have a means to travel safely back to shore.

Secretary Flournoy, the surviving pirate from the attack on the Maersk Alabama was taken from USS Bainbridge to New York.

have we provided, or offered, any assistance to Kenya or other nations to assist with these prosecutions?

What is your assessment of the recent U.N.-sponsored peace deal signed last year that allowed for Ethiopian troops to withdraw?

The Coast Guard has done an outstanding job in providing law enforcement detachments.

who pays for detaining the pirates once they get to Kenya and who is responsible for their treatment?

Do you see a trend in using armed guards aboard high-value target ships like cruise ships?

I have great admiration and respect for him.

I think one of the things we do want to do is we want to make sure President Obama gets qualified judges and the ones he selects.

I would ask for certain that the record be left open.