M/V Maersk Alabama Captain Thanks Bainbridge Crew
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS091120-01
Release Date: 11/20/2009 6:49:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lauren G. Randall, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk
NORFOLK (NNS) -- M/V Maersk Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips thanked the captain and crew of the guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) for his rescue from Somali pirates in April during a ceremony held on the fantail aboard the Bainbridge docked at the Nauticus National Maritime Center Nov. 19.
Phillips addressed Cmdr. Frank X. Castellano, commanding officer of the Bainbridge and the ship's crew for their efforts contributing to his rescue. "I could see it was a crew who was working united and together as a team to save myself for no other reason than it was your duty, your job, your role," said Phillips. "And I want to thank you for that."
Phillips was held hostage by the pirates on a 25-foot lifeboat for four days 240 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia after he traded himself to save his crew aboard the Maersk Alabama.
On April 12, U.S. Navy SEALs positioned on the fantail of the Bainbridge shot and killed three of the pirates holding Phillips hostage. Phillips was then rescued by Bainbridge Sailors and brought home.
"You are a dedicated team, the true heroes in the story involving me," said Phillips.
During the ceremony onboard the ship, Phillips presented 16 of the Sailors who took a direct role in his rescue with a coin commemorating their efforts. The coin was minted in Norfolk, and has images of the Maersk Alabama along with the Bainbridge on the face.
Following the ceremony there was a news conference next to the Maersk lifeboat with Phillips and Castellano. The Maersk lifeboat is displayed at the Nauticus as part of the National Geographic exhibit, "Real Pirates."
For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacennorfolk/.
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