(Aug. 8,2008) -- The Gem of Kilakarai, a Singaporean cargo ship, came under attack by pirates in the Gulf of Aden Aug. 8, fired on with small-arms and rifle-launched grenades.::r::::n:: The crew of USS Peleliu (LHA 5) and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, received a distress call from the Gem of Kilakarai and immediately launched interdiction flights to run off the pirates.::r::::n:: During the attack, an unexploded rifle-launched grenade lodged in the bridge wing of the Gem of Kilakarai. While no injuries were reported, further assistance from the 15th MEU Explosive Ordinance Disposal team was requested.::r::::n:: A security detachment from Battalion Landing Team 2/5, along with the EOD team from Combat Logistics Battalion-15, were taken aboard the Gem of Kilakarai on two UH-1N Huey helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-165. The unexploded grenade was properly disposed of with no further incident.::r::::n:: The Camp Pendleton, Calif. based 15th MEU is comprised of approximately 2,200 Marines and Sailors and is a forward deployed force of readiness capable of conducting numerous operations, such as Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations, Humanitarian Assistance Operations and a wide range of amphibious missions. The 15th MEU is currently deployed aboard the USS PELELIU (LHA-5), USS DUBUQUE (LPD-8) and USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD-52). (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin N. McCall)(RELEASED)