This is fantastic news. Richard Phillips, captain of the Maersk Alabama held hostage by Somali pirates, is now a free man after the Navy SEALs took out the pirates in a lightning-fast operation. Three of the four pirates were killed and the fourth taken into custody when the Navy commander, under authorization from the President, made a split-second decision when the negotiations were breaking down and it appeared Phillips’ life was in imminent danger. Initial reports that Capt. Phillips jumped overboard a second time appear to be incorrect.
To be sure, this sends the right message to the pirates, and I give credit to the administration for getting this one correct. I’m so thankful that this didn’t end in tragedy, and I’m immensely proud of our brave Navy SEALs for taking care of business and getting the job done. The battle against these acts of piracy will no doubt continue, and it will be important to show the same firm resolve displayed in this instance.
