Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise this morning to recognize the efforts of some true heroes during the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama and its aftermath.  Like millions of Americans, I watched as the ordeal unfolded – from the initial attack to the crew’s quick response, and from the captain’s selfless sacrifice to the Navy’s breathtaking rescue.

Today, I hope all our colleagues will join me in congratulating and thanking the many brave Americans who played a role in the successful resolution of what could have been a terrible tragedy.

First, let me thank the gentleman from Vermont, my friend Peter Welch for spearheading this effort I am honored to sponsor this resolution with him.  I would also like to thank Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member McHugh for working with us to bring this resolution quickly to the floor.

The story of the Merchant Vessel Maersk Alabama is miraculous not just for the safe return of its entire U.S. crew, but also for the incredible bravery and professionalism displayed by the men and women of the U.S. Navy, as well as the Captain Richard Phillips, who gave himself up to ensure the safety of his crew.

We are all familiar with the story by now.  On April 8, a group of armed Somali pirates hijacked the Norfolk, Virginia-based Maersk Alabama, a U.S. flagged cargo ship - the first such attack on a U.S. flagged vessel in modern history.  Captain Phillips and his crew were delivering a life-sustaining USAID shipment of over 8,000 metric tons of food aid to Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda when the ship came under pirate attack.

The crew overpowered one of the attackers, and Captain Phillips offered himself up in return for the safe release of his crew and ship.  The four pirates then fled with Captain Phillips to an 18-foot lifeboat.

After receiving the distress call, the United States Fifth Fleet immediately dispatched Maritime Patrol Aircraft to locate and monitor the Maersk Alabama and aid in directing the United States Navy destroyer, USS Bainbridge, to the scene.

The USS Bainbridge, under the command of Navy Commander Frank Castellano, immediately undertook efforts to monitor conditions on the lifeboat and, along with the USS Halyburton, prevent the pirates from escaping. At one point, Captain Phillips attempted an escape by diving into the ocean but was recaptured.

When it appeared that the Captain’s life was in imminent danger, the Navy SEALs did not hesitate.  They drew on their training – and most importantly their courage – and took decisive action to end the stand off and save the life of Captain Phillips. 

Madam Speaker, the resolution before us today recognizes the bravery of the captain and crew of the Maersk Alabama and congratulates the Navy SEALs and the crews of the USS Bainbridge, Boxer, Halyburton and Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 for their decisive action in ensuring the safe return home of all concerned.

Again, I want to thank Congressman Welch for his work on this legislation and ask all of our colleagues to vote for its passage.  Thank you, and I reserve the balance of my time.