33 U.S.C. § 381 : US Code - Section 381: Use of public vessels to suppress piracy

Search 33 U.S.C. § 381 : US Code - Section 381: Use of public vessels to suppress piracy

The President is authorized to employ so many of the public armed
vessels as in his judgment the service may require, with suitable
instructions to the commanders thereof, in protecting the merchant
vessels of the United States and their crews from piratical
aggressions and depredations.