The pirates didn't kill anyone, so the killing of them was clearly excessive force.
Are you joking? Please tell me that you're joking. Please tell me that you don't see the holding of an American citizen at gunpoint as something other than justifiable cause.
Somehow, I suspect that the American taxpayers payed more for that rescue operation than the ship would have had to pay to the pirates. While piracy is certainly detestable, and should be punished, it seems that the ship takes that risk when it goes in those seas. It would be better to allow American ships to carry guns. Additionally, since those pirates were killed, I will bet that future irates will be less hesitant to take American lives.
