Captain freed from captivity after being held by Somali pirates

Here's to hoping that they take that last pirate apart with a pair of pliers and a blow-torch.

That's wonderful Capt. Richard Phillips was freed.

Wonderful news!!!!!!!! So happy for Mr.Phillips and his family.

amen!

All of these pirates live on the same coast, a coast that shouldn't have anything left but ashes now that we got our guy back. End them. I guarantee people won't live as pirates if they know we'll end their civilization completely.

And I have a hard time believing that we can't spare a few cruise missiles for the Somalians when we've spent a trillion dollars in Iraq and Afghanistan already.

Praise Jesus, and Happy Easter to the Captain and his family!!!!

Good, and while we are at it let's run down and kill the rest of em.

OK Globe, time for a refresher on Journalism 101. The basic questions are not answered in this article:
* WHO killed the four pirates?
* HOW was it done?
* WHEN did it happen?

All credit is due to the conduct of the US Military and the Navy SEALs who were monitoring the situation- they were patient and knew time was on their side. They waited for what what they anticipated, after determining that Phillips had an aggressor personality. They anticipated him making another escape attempt, and the outcome is as follows: three pirates killed and one taken prisoner, and zero harm to the crew and captain of the Maersk Alabama.

The mostly idiotic comments that have been mocking the Navy for their seeminlgy "helplessness" and "doing nothing" in the situation couldn't have been more wrong- it is all the more remarkable that the world's most powerful Navy had the ability to squash them like gnats at the risk of losing the captain, yet chose to exercise due diligence and patience, and this paid off handsomely. This was a well executed operation, and they deserved to be praised likewise.

Just heard the ship's horns at the Mass Maritime Academy sound off; was hoping it was a happy sounding!!

Negotiations with terrorists, kidnappers, pirates, whatever they are called can not happen. By entertaining their demands and paying what they ask, countries are ensuring that this sort of thing will happen again and again. It will stop when the criminals stop getting paid and die instead.

Smart African pirates now know to stick with ships flying flags of Norway or France and avoid ships under a USA flag.

Three out of four isn't bad.

It's a shame there won't be a nice public execution for the last one. Give his mates back home something to think about.

IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL DAY (AT LEAST IN CALIF). I AM JUST ELATED ON HOW THE HOSTED SITUATION HAS ENDED AND GLAD THAT THE CAPTAIN IS SAFE. I AM SURE THAT HIS FAMILY IS GLAD AS WELL.

FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT HAS PREJUDGED THE ABILITY OF THE US NAVY,I SAY YOU ARE WRONG.

God Bless The United State Navy Seals. Maybe the next time the pirates attempt to hijack a ship they'll think twice if it's flying an American flag.

It's about time. The US military should have blown them out of the water, along with all the other pirate ships in the area, a long time ago. I applaud their patience in seeking an opportune moment, but I hope the US will immediately be more aggressive in their efforts to actively prevent these types of crimes. It's an embarrassment to this country.

BOOYAH!
That's how it is done! Wait for the right time, strike, and free the hostage ALIVE!

Congratulations President Obama for your calm leadership and letting the commanders in the field manage this situation appropriately.

I didn't understand all the criticism that was directed at the President that obviously displayed a lack of support for our military personal on the front lines.

A win for the good guys. Well done by the Navy and the other agencies involved. The president aided this effort by not standing in front of TV cameras
spouting a lot of useless words. Speak softly but carry a big stick (to coin a phrase). I did not vote for the president but he is the president. Congratulations

KUDOS to President Obama

Capt. Phillips is our HERO. God Bless The United States Of America.

thank god hes safe.

Totally awesome!!! Obama is now the biggest hero since Ronald Reagen!!!! With Wall Street improving and banks showing profits again, he may be on his way to being the best President the United States has ever had!

God Bless America!!!

Could we start by offering thanks that a tough situation turned out in the best possible way? This appears to have happened through careful efforts by a group of dedicated and competent people on the scene. Let us congratulate those who were given both direction and discretion to solve the problem without killing both pirates and hostage alike.

Now, let the Obama bashing from the rabid right begin anew:

"We were too soft, wasted too much time and money saving the captain's life. Killing all of them at the beginning would have sent the right message."

"Now, they're actually thinking about US rule of law??? Where is Darth Vader when you need him to create a new legal netherworld?"

And Obama wants to cut the defense budget ! Than God we HAD a decent force in place when he took over!

Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about! Too bad one pirate survived.... ;-) Let this be a lesson to anyone else thinking of hijacking a United States vessel.

This is great news. Thank you, U.S. Navy.

Amen! I am very happy for the family. Richard Phillips is a hero!

WoW......The US Navy came through bigtime in saving the life of Capt Phillips coincidentally on Easter Sunday no less....WoW....so happy for all concerned....Well Done, US Navy.

Score one for the Sheriff of Rock Ridge!

"He rode a blazing saddle.
He wore a shining star.
His job to offer battle.
To bad men near and far"

So glad Capt. Phillips is safe.

Now, take out the pirates and wreak Holy hell upon them. Just do it, wipe the seas clean of them, feed the sharks and move on. Please.

Hopefully this will shut all of the armchair quarterbacks (Jimmy Severino) who insisted that Obama was weak on this one. He did what any good commander does, he let the professionals do their jobs! So all of you morons who insisted that this "opens the door to another 9-11" should realize that we are being protected and our wonderful men and women in uniform will defend our country. Our commander-in-chief is obviously on the job and not interested in photo ops on aircraft carriers.

Glad to see this situation worked out and the captain is safe.

For all of you morons who kept criticizing Obama over this - next time wait to find out more information before you are so quick to judge. The military was operating under a standing order from Obama to use force to take out the pirates the whole time. The military was waiting for right opportunity and the wait was part of the process to wear down the pirates. So if you want to criticize anyone for this situation taking too long, and as some people wrote, making the US look "weak", I guess you can criticize the Navy.

I think all involved, from the president to the snipers who took the shot, all acted diligently and intelligently to help save the captain.

How long will it be before someone in our own government decides that we should apologize for violating the human rights of the pirates? Not very long, I'm afraid. Anyone who does should (but probably will not) be removed from office immediately. Finally something has gone our way and you can bet that there is someone out there who will find some cockeyed reason to see a negative. The big question now is "What do we do with the captured pirate?" No doubt, someone will say that we should try him in our justice system. If he winds up in one of our prisons, it will only be a short time before the next high seas hostage takers demand his realease.

I am jubilant at the freeing of Capt. Phillips. He is a courageous man and I am thrilled he will be back in the arms of his family and country very soon.

I will wait breathlessly for the right wing Obama bashers apologies.

Where are all the moronic commenters who were insulting President Obama just this morning? Somali pirates got your tongues?

Great!! Now TIME FOR PAYBACK!!

It's about time! God bless the SEALS and this brave captain. Apparently the captain escaped again and this time our military did not have their hands tied behind their backs. A very happy Easter for all involved.

This is what should have been done in the first place, as we said. Obama's indecision let this humiliating incident play out and endangered the captain's life. FBI negotiators, indeed!

Now, what will be done about the Somali pirate havens?

Go Navy!

A message to Pirates everywhere, stay away from ships flying the Stars and Stripes, you held one of our citizens hostage and asked for two million dollars ransom, today you received payment from US Navy Snipers, not exactley what you were looking for, sometimes in life you get what you ask for, sometimes you get a little more, ARRRRRRRR . I would say you rolled the dice and lost, oh and ahh keep the change.

Congrats! and Happy easter to a strong and courageous man and crew!

You pay taxes for Special Forces for a reason. USA rolls over meatball pirates. Story at 11:00.

Thank the Navy, not Obama. He remained silent until now. It was the Navy commander that made the decision to shoot.
Thank God for our military and it's leaders because we are lacking leadership in the White House.

The globe finally posted the news most of us in N.E. have been praying for albeit 4 hours after the herald. Please management put some folks on the team with management skills. I don't care if they can spell or even speak English but force them to work on week-ends at least. I still buy but not for much longer

I am glad that Captain Phillips is safe and that the US Navy took proactive action to end this situation. The time has long since come to put an end to this lawlessness, and if killing the pirates is what it takes, so be it! All mechant ships sailing these waters should have armed guards that are capable of repelling unauthorized boarders, end of Somali piracy.

That truly is wonderful news. Now that America and the world knows the dangers of piracy, what will be done to prevent this from happening again?
DB
Waltham

Go Navy- Ridding the world of pirates is a Marine Corps job- if all our Marines were tied up in the Iraq War-of-Choice maybe the seas would be clear.

SCORE 1 for the US armd forces.....

Excellent work by Navy Seals!! 3 dead, one in captivity. Turn the live one over to Israel so the Mossad can get some info out of him.

Go Navy Seals.

Okay.

Where are all the pseudo-machoists who never thought Obama would pull the trigger?

They got the captain out - and safely. Not with John Wayne "take the hill" tactics like so many of you AK-47 lovers advocated, but with some careful planning and execution.

YES!!!!!! What a great gift for his family and our Nation. I'm so happy for this victory!!!!!

I have read in the New York Times, Daily News, Post, and Boston Herald on this and most of the comments are consumed with politics. Obama this, Obama that, Bush this, Bush that, democrats this , democrats that, republicans this and that. Well, I don't care not one bit about any of them whether democrats or republicans. Don't care what one is doing, what one should have done, what one could have done. What I care is that this courageous Captain is now free, safe, and sound. Thank God, and thank God that the prayers of his family, community and nation was heard. That's what counts most of all that on this Easter Sunday miracles were granted.

His company had better take care of him and his family for the rest of his life!!!!!!!! Yes he does know the risk, but he deserves to be compensated for his ordeal!!!!

Where did all the "Obama is limp" commentors go? Seems like they have disappeared. How come the least intelligent seem to have the loudest voice?

That is great that he was rescued tonight. Seems it was a very well executed plan by the US.
Now, President Obama, please go ahead and bomb the hell out of Somalia.

Ok all you Obama bashers who repeatedly bemoaned how he didn't have the stones to deal with this crisis, where are you now???? He did exactly as he should have...exhaust all diplomatic efforts, then gave the order to use force when the threat appeared imminent....job well done by all!

God Bless the United States Armed forces....well done!!!!!

Hey Naysayers,,,,Obama gives the order......Capt. Phillips rescued and safe. Crew of the Alabama.....be safe enjoy your families.

Uncharacteristic silence from the Obama haters.

Several months ago 60 minutes had an article about a sonic weapon that could direct a very loud sound. Any ship could mount it since it is not deadly but would incapacitate anyone it was aimed at. I wonder why this has not been deployed yet.

I am so thrilled for the family and for this country that this brave man is safe and comng home. I wish him and his crew all the blessings of the Easter season and extend my sincerest gratitude.

I always thought that I was watching too many Navy Seals rescue movies - too many happy endings with right triumphing over wrong. I'm sure the Seals saved the day here and I give them my most sincere thanks and appreciation. There has never been a more clear example of right versus wrong. That our president supported this intervention demonstrates his commitment to doing the right thing whenever possible. I am thrilled by the great outcome and hope that these opportunistic parasites think twice before they waylay honest men and women who are actually working for a living.

To all you who wrote that President Obama didn't have what it takes, well, screw you. This couldn't have ended better. The Captain is safe, three pirates are dead, and one is left to answer criminal charges. YES ! ! ! Gotta love those SEALs!

Typical globe. Did you not go to journalism school? "If it bleeds, let it lead." YOur 2 headlines says "Captain freed from captivity..." Oh, how was he freed, by wishing real hard? The other headline wars something like: "Pirates' deaths could escalate violence." Oh, gee whiz, I guess our whole nation should have just surrendered to Blackbeard and company. Violence may escalate, but not from these 3 blokes. Off to your 72 virgins, me mateys--not!

I wan't the guy held but these pirates should be all killed. Once money is paid these guys think the have a checkbook.
Anybody who thinks the Captain was wrong to order open fire, move to Somlia, you're not an American. You are not the answer, YOU ARE THE PROBLEM.

First, of course, we all should be thrilled that the Captain is now safe and grateful for the courage and skill of our strong Navy Seals. However, I am having a real problem in now hearing that our President, who has just returned from his First European Apology Tour, was in support of killing any of the pirates. We would all be fools to believe that these same Navy Seals could not have taken care of this a couple of days ago when the Captain had the gonads (items which his President lacks) to escape. My opinion is that the Seals took it upon themselves to do this, Thank God. Obama is a wus.

I'm not clear on White House moves ( "authorized", "very clear guidance and authority"). If USNavy's role in this case is to defend U.S. citizens & shipping in int'l waters, aren't there standing orders? What role does the Administration have other than to say (day 1) "Save man. Stop pirates. If you can do it w/o bloodshed, fine. If not, you're the pro on the scene, we trust your judgment. Let us know what support you need." Does "authorized" imply that the President previously tied the hands of the on-site C.O.? Yes, POTUS is CIC, but is this micromanaging? Was there really any int'l relations concern that justify POTUS inserting self any further in decision process?

America is truly blessed to have raised up two truly extraordinary men. Captain Sullenberger and now Captain Phillips. If only we could be fortunate enough to elect similar brave and selfless men and women to lead our country in these perilous times.

Happy Easter to the Philip's family! God Bless all of those who suffered through this ordeal and a very special thanks to the Navy Seals who expertly intervened and dispatched the captors!!! Another reason why we all should be thankful for the USA and the people who live there!

Why not put a bunch of Navy SEALS on every American cargo ship in those waters, there aren't too many of them, so it wouldn't take very much. Seems like the best deterrent to me.

we have one great navy...my salute to you NAVY SEALS!!

I do not know Capt Phillips. On the other hand I have known Admiral Gurnon since 1995 when I worked for him at Ma. maritime upon my return from the gulf. He was the Dean of student affairs at that time.
I was also a foster parent for the Commonwealth and met with him and his wife on multiple occasions in their home.
My job over there was to find and disarm IED's and these men have showed me what it means to be American! Nothing but strength no matter how bleak the picture looks!
These men along with First mate Murphy are the epitome of what it means to be an American. We should all learn from this. Instead of sitting here and complaining (as most Americans do).
Point a gun at me, I'll give you that, (should've pulled the trigger). Threaten my life ( so what, I've been threatened before ). Go ahead turn your back (I'll smash in your skull or at the very least try to escape ). Did you idiots not learn anything from 9/11? How about 12/7/1941? Don't make us mad. You will regret it!

What's the big deal here anyway. I'm happy for the safe return of the captain, but to praise the action of the U.S. Navy seals against a bunch of cavemen is not the action of "Heroes" as the media is proclaiming. So what. The military did their job for which they were trained. They should.

I don’t have any sympathy for Somali Pirates, but I worried about more than 200 innocent people under captivity by Pirates.
The fire can be fight by fire or by water. Pirates lost their ransom (The freight ship) and wanted to escape with their lives. Captain was their captive, but those 4 thugs practically were U.S Navy Captives too. Killing 3 of them means using fire to fight fire. Handing over them to Somali authorities means fighting fire with water. This will escalate the VIOLENCE ON THE REGION. I CANNOT BUY THE PHONY STORY of K-47 pointed to Captain (no way to see through thick boat walls). THIS IS A SELFISH AUCTION, BY SELFISH AND NO VERY SMART PEOPLE. THIS WILL BACK FIRE ON INNOCENT AMERICANS TOO.
Arm ships and let them to deal with each other, CLEAN and CLEAR, on the HIGH SEAS.

American people are jubilant about the release of their captain. Of course, they should be. For getting their captain back in a live. We Somalis are mourning for the dead of our defenseless boys. I can guarantee you that no one in the world have got their bravery. They are brave according the risk they are taking. They never kill or hurt any of their hostages even though, they had some of the hostages for months. They fed them and return them safe. Once they got their ransom. For us Somalis they are heroes. I am not defending the action of the pirates and I know it is wrong what they are doing. But the question is who is protecting our sea. These companies have been doing illigale fishing, dumping nuclear waste. since the parites started operation they disappear.

Th

W

Mohamed Ali Bulaleh:
You are twisted. There is something very wrong with you and your entire culture. True Somalia has been trashed upon by foreign fishing fleets and global corporations taking advantage of the chaos in your country. But to justified piracy because the Somalis Pirates are nice ones is complete BS. I promise you now, they will not be so nice henceforth. The 'nice' ones are getting out of the business, leaving the really bad ones to continue with high seas terror.

ur wrong. obama didnt do anything. notice how he didnt say a thing until everything went RIGHT. he did this because he didnt want to look bad if he was unsuccessful.