US Navy: Pirate Hostage Rescued by US Forces

SOMALI BASIN (April 12, 2009) Maersk-Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips, stands alongside Cmdr. Frank Castellano, commanding officer of USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) after being rescued by U.S Naval Forces off the coast of Somalia. Philips was held hostage for four days by pirates. (Official U.S. Navy photo.)

Dispatches from the Front:

MANAMA, Bahrain, April 12, 2009 -- At approximately 7:19 p.m (12:19 p.m. EDT) U.S. naval forces rescued Capt. Richard Phillips, the master of Motor Vessel Maersk-Alabama.

"This was an incredible team effort, and I am extremely proud of the tireless efforts of all the men and women who made this rescue possible" said Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. "The actions of Capt. Phillips and the civilian mariners of Maersk-Alabama were heroic. They fought back to regain control of their ship, and Capt. Phillips selflessly put his life in the hands of these armed criminals in order to protect his crew."

Following the rescue, Phillips was initially taken aboard the Norfolk, Va. based guided missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96). Phillips was subsequently flown to the San Diego based amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), where he contacted his family, received a routine medical evaluation, and is resting comfortably.

U.S. military forces have one pirate in custody, three were killed in the rescue.

A Pentagon press briefing with Navy Vice Admiral Bill Gortney, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, is planned for later today. The Admiral will provide additional details regarding the rescue operation from his headquarters in Bahrain via satellite.

This is a developing story with more to follow.

(Report from a Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs news release.)

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