[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 8]
[House]
[Pages 10325-10329]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




COMMENDING CAPTAIN RICHARD PHILLIPS, U.S. NAVY SEALS, AND THE U.S. NAVY 
                       IN SOMALI PIRATE HIJACKING

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 339) expressing the sense of the United States 
House of Representatives regarding the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama, 
the kidnapping of Captain Richard Phillips by Somali pirates, the 
rescue of Captain Phillips by United States Navy SEALs and the crews of 
the USS Bainbridge, USS Boxer, USS Halyburton and Patrol Squadron (VP) 
8, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 339

       Whereas on April 8, 2009, a group of armed Somali pirates 
     hijacked the Norfolk, Virginia-based Maersk Alabama, a U.S. 
     flagged cargo ship;
       Whereas this attack represents the first such attack on a 
     U.S. flagged vessel in modern history;
       Whereas Captain Richard Phillips of Underhill, Vermont, 
     commander of the Maersk Alabama, graduated from the 
     Massachusetts Maritime Academy and has over 20 years of 
     maritime experience;
       Whereas Captain Phillips and the crew of the Maersk Alabama 
     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;
       Whereas the crew of the Maersk Alabama overpowered one of 
     the pirate attackers, and Captain Phillips offered himself up 
     in return for the safe release of his crew and ship;
       Whereas four pirates then fled with Captain Phillips to an 
     18-foot lifeboat;
       Whereas the United States Fifth Fleet immediately 
     dispatched Maritime Patrol (P-3) Aircraft to locate and 
     positively identify and monitor the Maersk Alabama to vector 
     the closest U.S. Navy ship to the scene;
       Whereas the United States Navy destroyer USS Bainbridge, 
     which had been patrolling the region due to increased pirate 
     activities, arrived on the scene;
       Whereas the USS Bainbridge, under the command of U.S. Navy 
     Commander Frank Castellano, monitored the conditions on the 
     lifeboat and prevented the pirates from escaping;
       Whereas Commander Castellano served as the on-the-scene 
     coordinator for the combined rescue efforts of the State 
     Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation hostage 
     negotiators, and the U.S. Navy;
       Whereas U.S. Navy SEALs quickly deployed to the scene;
       Whereas, while being held by pirates, Captain Phillips 
     attempted a daring escape, diving into the ocean and trying 
     to swim to safety before being recaptured;
       Whereas the pirates held Captain Phillips at gunpoint for 5 
     days;

[[Page 10326]]

       Whereas the Navy SEALs once again demonstrated their 
     extraordinary bravery, skill, and professionalism in rescuing 
     Captain Phillips;
       Whereas the USS Halyburton assisted the USS Bainbridge with 
     the rescue operation, by skillfully ensuring that the pirates 
     were blocked in their attempt to reach the Somali coast;
       Whereas the USS Boxer assisted in the rescue operation by 
     standing by to provide immediate medical support, which was 
     thankfully not needed in this operation.
       Resolved, that the United States House of Representatives--
       1. commends the crew of the Maersk Alabama and Captain 
     Phillips, who selflessly placed himself in harm's way to 
     protect his crew;
       2. recognizes the United States Navy, the crews of the USS 
     Bainbridge, Boxer, Halyburton, and Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 for 
     their role in the rescue;
       3. congratulates the Navy SEALs on the scene for their 
     decisive action that resulted in the rescue of Captain 
     Phillips; and
       4. joins all Americans in expressing great relief that the 
     crew has returned home safely.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin) and the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. 
Coffman) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Rhode Island.


                             General Leave

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Rhode Island?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  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, to the captain's 
selfless sacrifice, to the Navy's breathtaking rescue.
  Today, I hope all of our colleagues will join me in congratulating 
and in 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'm 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 so 
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 Captain Richard Phillips, who gave himself 
up to ensure the safety of his crew.

                              {time}  1030

  We're 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 on 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 and the 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, would 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 standoff and save the life of Captain 
Phillips.
  Mr. Speaker, the resolution before us today recognizes the bravery of 
the captain and the 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 I ask all of our colleagues to vote for its passage.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of 
House Resolution 339.
  I am pleased to join my colleagues, Peter Welch and Jim Langevin, as 
well as the many cosponsors of this resolution, in expressing the pride 
of the United States House of Representatives regarding the heroic 
actions of Captain Richard Phillips, the crew of the Maersk Alabama, 
and the professionalism and skill of the crews of the USS Bainbridge, 
the USS Boxer, the USS Halyburton, Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 and the U.S. 
Navy SEALs.
  On April 8, 2009, in what has now become a well-known story, a group 
of armed Somali pirates hijacked the Norfolk, Virginia-based Maersk 
Alabama, which is a cargo ship sailing under a U.S. flag. The Alabama 
was on a mission to deliver over 8,000 metric tons of vital food aid to 
Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda. This food aid had been provided by U.S. 
taxpayers through the United States Agency for International 
Development. It was highly ironic, then, that the Somali pirates 
targeted a vessel destined to provide relief to their home country.
  When the Alabama came under attack, it was also the first such attack 
on a U.S.-flagged vessel in modern history. But the surprise that the 
crew of the Alabama must have felt did little to deter positive action 
on their part. The crew of the Maersk Alabama overpowered one of the 
pirate attackers, and the ship's commander, Captain Richard Phillips, 
offered himself up in return for the safe release of his crew and ship.
  Captain Phillips' courageous action is a credit to him, his 20 years 
of maritime experience, his alma mater, the Massachusetts Maritime 
Academy, and his hometown of Underhill, Vermont.
  Four of the Somali pirates fled with Captain Phillips to an 18-foot 
lifeboat and set off for the Somali coast. The length of the Somali 
coastline is vast, roughly the same length as the entire eastern 
seaboard of the United States.
  Despite the diligent efforts of the international community and the 
U.S.-led Combined Task Force 151 counter-piracy operations, military 
vessels cannot be every place at once. As a result, the nearest U.S. 
ship at the time of the incident was more than 300 nautical miles away.
  In response to the distress call from the Maersk Alabama, the United 
States Fifth Fleet immediately dispatched maritime patrol aircraft to 
locate, positively identify and monitor the Maersk Alabama to direct 
the closest U.S. Navy ship to the rescue. The United States Navy 
destroyer USS Bainbridge, which had been patrolling the region due to 
the increase in pirate activity, soon arrived. The Bainbridge, under 
command of U.S. Navy Commander Frank Castellano, monitored the 
conditions on the lifeboat and prevented the pirates from escaping. 
Commander Castellano also served as the on-the-scene coordinator for 
the combined rescue efforts of the State Department, Federal Bureau of 
Investigation hostage negotiators, and the United States Navy.
  While being held by pirates, Captain Phillips attempted a daring 
escape-- diving into the ocean and trying to swim to safety before 
being captured. Captain Phillips' ordeal cannot be understated. The 
pirates held him at gunpoint for 5 days until the U.S. Navy SEALs, who 
had quickly deployed to the scene onboard the USS Bainbridge,

[[Page 10327]]

rescued Captain Phillips, demonstrating their extraordinary valor and 
skill.
  The captain and crew of the Bainbridge were supported by two 
additional U.S. Navy ships. The USS Halyburton, an Oliver Hazard Perry-
class frigate, assisted the USS Bainbridge with the rescue operation by 
ensuring that the pirates were blocked in their attempts to reach the 
Somali coast. The USS Boxer, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, 
assisted in the rescue operation by standing by to provide immediate 
medical support, which was, thankfully, not needed in this operation.
  It is also remarkable to note that the namesake for the USS 
Bainbridge is Captain William Bainbridge, one of the United States' 
earliest naval officers who became the country's most famous pirate 
hostage.
  In October 1803, Captain Bainbridge was in command of the USS 
Philadelphia, a 36-gun frigate, on a mission to blockade North African 
pirate ships from Tripoli. Following an unfortunate grounding of the 
Philadelphia on a shallow reef near shore, Captain Bainbridge and his 
crew of 300 were taken hostage and held in captivity for nearly 2 
years. When Captain Bainbridge finally returned to this country, he 
continued to serve in the U.S. Navy and went on to distinguish himself 
in the War of 1812.
  Now, 200 years later, pirates continue to operate along the coast of 
Africa, and the U.S. Navy ship named in his honor has played such a 
critical role in thwarting their efforts.
  In conclusion, I urge the international community, as well as 
President Obama, to apply both private and government means to combat 
piracy. While the U.S. military can have a significant deterrence on 
piracy and can play a key role in disrupting pirate attacks, a long-
term solution to this problem cannot be found through military force 
alone.
  I also urge my colleagues to adopt House Resolution 339 to recognize 
the bravery of the crew of the Maersk Alabama, commend Captain Phillips 
who selflessly placed himself in harm's way to protect his crew, 
congratulate the United States Navy, the crews of the USS Bainbridge, 
Boxer, Halyburton, Patrol Squadron 8 and the Navy SEALs on the scene 
for their decisive action that resulted in the rescue of Captain 
Phillips and join all Americans in expressing great relief that the 
crew has returned home safely.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield as much time as he 
might consume to my friend and colleague, the distinguished chairman of 
the Committee on Armed Services, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. 
Skelton).
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
339, and I thank my friends, Congressmen Langevin and Welch, for 
introducing this bill and their leadership on this subject.
  Captain Phillips' brave leadership in the defense of his crew and 
ship, along with the outstanding service of the men and women of the 
United States Navy, allowed for the safe return of the crew of the 
motor vessel Maersk Alabama. Both Captain Phillips and his crew's 
actions clearly demonstrate the bravery that is present in our American 
Merchant Marines. I commend the sailors on the USS Bainbridge and 
Halyburton, as well as the Navy SEALs who were involved in the lengthy 
standoff with the Somali pirates.
  On Easter Sunday, every American could be proud and thankful for the 
commitment and excellence of our servicemembers. The actions of our men 
and women in uniform highlight the dedication and professionalism 
present in our Navy servicemembers. This also demonstrates the critical 
need for the high level of training these sailors have been given which 
allows them to successfully conduct such a high-risk and complicated 
operation.
  I have long warned of the dangers associated with international 
piracy. Just last month, I called for and chaired a full Armed Services 
Committee hearing on international piracy on the high seas. The 
inherent danger in allowing these types of criminal activities to go 
unchecked is evident throughout our history. We see prime examples of 
this when we look as far back as the days of the Barbary pirates, where 
the pirates were eventually defeated ashore in Algiers; or the recent 
example of the Straits of Malacca, where it took the combined forces of 
Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore working together to secure their 
waters.
  In both of these instances, the international community was dealing 
with criminals whose sole objective was monetary gain; and when faced 
with superior forces, they retreated. The pirates off the coast of 
Somalia are no different. However, like the pirates of the past, they 
will only retreat as far as they are pushed.
  Establishing a working government in Somalia is a solution, but this 
is a long-term solution. In the short term, it is imperative that the 
international coalition, already operating in the area, uses its 
superior force to continue to pursue these pirates into the safe havens 
where they are operating. This will be the only way to convince these 
criminals that the risks now outweigh the rewards. The authorities 
needed to conduct such operations have already been provided in United 
Nations Security Council Regulations 1846 and 1851.
  I applaud the commitment of the international community to solve the 
problem, but additional work must be done to advance the current 
international coalitions operating in the region. Just this weekend we 
were reminded of the imminence of the ongoing problem. Hostages were 
freed by Dutch forces, but the gang of pirates responsible were 
subsequently released due to the lack of a detainment policy within the 
NATO task force.
  The United States must encourage all of our coalition partners to 
adopt a single set of rules of engagement and authorities. I am 
encouraged by Secretary Clinton's call on the international community 
to hold these criminals accountable and agree with her comments about 
pursuing the pirate sanctuaries along the Somalia coast. Denying the 
ability of the pirates to operate ashore is the best solution for 
stopping these attacks in the short term.

                              {time}  1045

  Until the international community decides that it will no longer 
tolerate piracy in any way, we will continue to see history repeat 
itself, and the merchants operating in the surrounding waters of 
Somalia will continue to be at risk.
  Mr. Speaker, we will not forget the heroic actions of our United 
States Navy, the United States Navy SEALs, and the brave men aboard the 
Maersk Alabama.
  We sent a clear signal to the pirates that such a brazen attack on 
American people will not be tolerated. I look forward to working with 
my colleagues and friends in the administration to find a short-term 
solution to the ongoing piracy problem, and I am hopeful that we can 
work with our international partners to find a permanent solution to 
this issue.
  I thank the gentlemen, Mr. Langevin and Mr. Welch, for their 
foresight in offering this resolution.
  Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I would like to further comment 
on the issue of piracy and how we address this in that I feel that 
there is a cost-effective solution available to us.
  Right now, in trying to patrol 1.1 million square miles of ocean, we 
have deployed a carrier strike group and an additional combined task 
force; and it is a sledgehammer going after a fly when all we need is a 
flyswatter.
  I would like to propose that the administration consider placing a 
small detachment of United States Marines or sailors with cruiser 
weapons aboard U.S.-flagged merchant ships sailing through these 
waters. There is an average of one U.S. flagship per day sailing 
through the Gulf of Aiden. And so the Department of Defense response 
was that we are stretched in resources, and it would be difficult to 
deploy a squad of marines or the equivalent of sailors aboard this one 
U.S.-flagged merchant ship going through the Gulf of Aiden on a daily 
basis. Yet, we are deploying

[[Page 10328]]

over 10 ships on a daily basis in these waters, which require far more 
resources than a small detachment of U.S. marines or sailors.
  The precedent for this is certainly during World War II, when we did 
so to protect our U.S.-flagged merchant shipping. I believe the 
situation exists today where we have cause to do so. And this is not 
simply a criminal activity. In 1803, when Captain Bainbridge was in 
command of the USS Philadelphia, President Thomas Jefferson saw fit to 
see the actions of the Barbary pirates as an act of war, and I view the 
conduct of the Somalia pirates as the same.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may 
consume to my friend and colleague, the original sponsor of this 
measure, the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch).
  Mr. WELCH. I thank my colleague from Rhode Island. I thank the Armed 
Services Committee and Chairman Skelton and my colleague, Mr. Coffman.
  We have heard eloquent statements about the urgent problem of piracy 
and what the United States has to do. I would like to talk a little bit 
about Captain Phillips and about his hometown of Underhill, Vermont, 
and what is the good news behind this extraordinary rescue operation 
conducted by the United States Navy.
  Mr. Speaker, Underhill is a small town in Vermont in the shadow of 
our largest mountain, Mt. Mansfield; about 2,800 people live there. The 
center of life is the Underhill Country Store where people go for their 
morning coffee to have conversation about what's going on. Neighbors 
know neighbors.
  The folks who live in Underhill know the Phillips family very well. 
And it turned out that in that week when Captain Phillips was a 
hostage, all of the activity, all of the conversation in Underhill, of 
course, was totally about him, about his wife, Andrea, about Mariah and 
David, their son and daughter, both in college. And life in some ways 
went on in the ordinary course. David went over to a neighbor's and did 
his morning chores; it is what he said his dad would have wanted. And 
the neighbors did what neighbors do in Underhill and do in Vermont and 
do in communities all around this country when one of their own is in 
peril; they helped out. They brought over food. They checked in on 
their neighbors. They gave privacy and respect to Andrea and their 
family while they were going through this ordeal.
  It is also the story about an extraordinary seaman, Captain Phillips, 
who, I think, as much as his bravery impressed all of us. His modesty 
impressed all of us as well. He insisted that he was not the hero. Let 
me use his own words that he was able to recite when he returned. ``I'm 
not a hero, the military is,'' the cargo shipper, Richard Phillips, 
told reporters. ``I'm a small part. I'm just a bit part in this story. 
I'm a seaman doing the best I can like all other seamen out there.'' 
Captain Phillips insisted on giving all credit to everyone else--his 
crew, the extraordinary Navy SEALs, the United States Navy, not taking 
any of the credit for his heroics upon himself.
  Now, why is it that he is that way? You know, oftentimes it is said 
that a hero is a person who is ordinary but, faced with extraordinary 
circumstances, does extraordinary things. And certainly Captain 
Phillips fits that description because, when faced with this danger, he 
put himself and his life on the line to save his crew. It was an 
extraordinary act in extraordinary circumstances.
  But when you reflect on it, Captain Phillips didn't see it that way. 
He was a seaman doing his job. And maybe what he is reminding us, all 
of us in America, is that it is doing our jobs day in and day out, what 
is required of us, that makes us all have it within our reach to be 
heroic.
  Captain Phillips has as his primary responsibility, the way he 
defines it and the way the law of the sea defines it, to protect his 
crew. And on some days protecting his crew may be that he has to guide 
his ship through troubled waters, but on another day, when his ship was 
seized by pirates, protecting his crew meant turning over his life and 
his safety to the pirates in exchange for the safety of his crew. And 
for him, that was just an ordinary, matter-of-fact decision. He didn't 
even have to think about it because that was his job. It is what he 
signed up to do. And when the circumstances required he make that 
decision, he did.
  That is what is so inspiring, I think, to so many of us about Captain 
Phillips, the matter-of-fact way in which he went about being a captain 
in the Merchant Marine. And it is the same attitude he displays as a 
dad when he is home, with the jealous guarding of his time with his 
family that means so much to him so that he can ski, play basketball, 
do outdoor activities with his kids and with his friends. He is known 
in the community as just another guy, and that is the person who he 
wants to return to be.
  The inspiring story here is all up and down the line. When a captain 
was faced with an extraordinary decision, he made it as though it was 
just an ordinary decision. When one of America's own ships on the high 
seas was in peril, our Navy responded as they were trained to do. And 
when one of the hostages, Captain Phillips, was in imminent danger of 
losing his life, these Navy SEALs, who had trained quietly, 
relentlessly, and effectively, did what was required of them, and they 
went on to live the rest of their lives. So this act is an 
extraordinary act of heroics because of how Captain Phillips made this 
an ordinary day in his life.
  All of us, of course, are thrilled about the safe return of Captain 
Phillips to Underhill, Vermont, and the reunification of the family, 
but we are also very proud of our Navy. We are proud of the Navy SEALs 
and all the people who were involved in this, doing the jobs they were 
trained to do, doing it successfully, and then going on about their 
lives without request for fame or favor.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to my 
friend and colleague, one of the newest members of the Committee on 
Armed Services, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Nye).
  Mr. NYE. I thank my colleague.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the actions of all the brave 
Americans who brought about the safe rescue of the captain and crew of 
the Maersk Alabama.
  I have the distinct honor to represent Naval Station Norfolk, the 
home port of the USS Bainbridge, the first ship to respond after the 
Alabama was attacked and her captain taken hostage by pirates.
  In particular, I would like to applaud the quick, decisive, and 
effective action taken by the men and women of the Bainbridge and her 
commanding officer, Commander Frank Castellano. Throughout his 23 years 
in the Navy, Commander Castellano has served with distinction and honor 
and has received numerous awards and commendations. As captain of the 
USS Bainbridge, he skillfully managed the rescue of the Maersk Alabama, 
ensured the safety of her crew, and led the hostage negotiations with 
the pirates. And on April 12, when Captain Phillips' life was in 
danger, Commander Castellano did not hesitate; he gave the green light 
for our SEALs to take action.
  Over the 4 days of the rescue operation, as the world watched, 
Commander Castellano and the men and women of the Bainbridge made us 
all proud and reminded us why the U.S. Navy is second to none. I urge 
my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I want to again commend my colleague, Mr. 
Welch, for his sponsorship of this resolution. I am proud to join with 
him. This truly is a story of remarkable heroism and bravery.
  I again recognize the leadership of Captain Phillips and his crew 
and, in particular, the Navy SEALs, and all of our naval vessels and 
sailors that were involved in this entire effort. They truly are well-
trained, and it showed in this. The training paid off.
  On a personal note, I have great respect for all of our merchant 
mariners. Both my grandfather and my great

[[Page 10329]]

uncle were both members of the Merchant Marine during World War II. I 
know the sacrifices that these Merchant Marines give in their daily 
lives day in and day out to make sure that cargo moves safely around 
the world.
  This is truly a good news story, but clearly we have work to do in 
stopping pirate activities in the future. This is going to be an 
ongoing effort. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make 
sure that this type situation never happens again.
  Again, my congratulations to all my colleagues involved in this 
resolution, particularly Mr. Welch.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today with great 
jubilation for the successful rescue of Captain Phillips. I urge my 
colleagues to support H. Res. 339 ``Expressing the sense of the United 
States House of Represensatives regarding the hijacking of the Maersk 
Alabama, the kidnapping of Captain Richard Phillips by Somali pirates, 
the rescue of Captain Phillips by United States Navy SEALs and the 
crews of the USS Bainbridge, USS Boxer, USS Halyburton and Patrol 
Squadron (VP) 8, and for other purposes.''
  I believe that Congressional recognition is due to the crews of the 
USS Bainbridge and other ships on the scene, and especially the 
incredible skill of the Navy SEALs who rescued Capt. Phillips. Somali 
pirates boarded the container ship Maersk Alabama about 500 kilometers 
off the coast of Somalia. The 20 man crew regained control of the 
Danish-owned, American-operated ship. But the ship's captain--Richard 
Phillips--was taken hostage as the pirates escaped aboard a lifeboat.
  I would like to acknowledge the profound bravery and selflessness 
that Captain Phillips displayed throughout the entire ordeal. At the 
time of the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama, Captain Phillips placed 
himself in harm's way to protect his crew. Phillips offered himself as 
a hostage after the pirates stormed the U.S.-flagged Alabama. He is a 
hero, he rose to the occasion and--thankfully--lived to tell about it.
  I commend the Navy SEAL snipers on the destroyer USS Bainbridge who 
killed Captain Phillips's three captors. I applaud President Obama and 
his administration who gave standing orders for the military to take 
decisive action if the Captain was in imminent danger.
  This is the first time in modern history that the United States has 
in custody a pirate who carried out an attack on a U.S. citizen. The 
events that have been taking place off the coast of Somalia are 
intolerable and I feel that the United States must put an end to 
piracy.
  I am pleased that Captain Phillips is home with his family: his wife, 
Andrea, and his two children, Daniel and Mariah, in Underhill, Vermont. 
I wish them all the best as their lives get back to normal.
  However, this piracy has not ceased even after the U.S. Navy fatally 
shot three pirates, who were armed with AK-47 rifles. They are 
continuing to hijack ships in the Gulf of Aden. More than 200 mariners 
still remain captives at sea in the hands of pirates. Adm. Rick Gurnon 
has publicly said, ``The pirates have a great business model that works 
for them: See ships, take ransom, make millions'' and that is exactly 
what they are doing. The pirates from Somalia often launch one or two 
speed boats with about four or five men aboard. Armed with automatic 
weapons and in some cases rocket-propelled grenades, they approach 
unarmed ships, force them to slow down and then board them in order to 
gain ransom money.
  Analysts blame Somalia's nearly 20 years of lawlessness for fueling 
piracy's rise. Years ago, foreign trawlers began taking advantage of 
Somalia's civil war to fish its waters illegally and dump toxic waste 
there. Vigilante Somali fishermen tried to defend their shores, and 
later morphed into full-blown pirates. Piracy has been a problem in 
Somali waters for at least 10 years--when Somali fishermen began losing 
their livelihoods. Their traditional fishing methods were no match for 
the illegal trawlers that were raiding their waters. Piracy initially 
started along Somalia's southern coast but began shifting north in 
2007--and as a result, the pirate gangs in the Gulf of Aden are now 
multi-clan operations.
  Attacks have risen markedly in recent weeks, and brigands hold at 
least 17 other ships and around 300 crew. Meanwhile, Somalia called for 
international help to rebuild its military to combat piracy and train 
security forces to track down pirates.
  I urge the United States to take swift and immediate action against 
these Somali pirates. It is unacceptable that unarmed Americans or any 
persons should be attacked and taken hostage on the high seas, with all 
the resources available to us in this day and age. This is not an 
American problem, but an international problem, that must be dealt with 
on a multilateral level. We can not eradicate piracy alone.
  I am relieved that Secretary Clinton said the United States wanted to 
``seek more effective ways to hold these pirates criminally responsible 
for their actions, which threaten not only the lives of merchant 
seamen, but the security of critical maritime routes.'' I believe the 
meeting which will take place next month in New York with 
representatives of 24 nations, in order to look at legal measures in 
the fight against piracy off Somalia is a large first step in ending 
this madness.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 339.
  This resolution honors the incredible work of the United States Navy 
SEALs, and the crews of the USS Bainbridge, USS Boxer, USS Halyburton 
and Patrol Squadron (VP) 8. H. Res. 339 also recognizes the crew of the 
Maersk Alabama and the courage of Captain Richard Phillips.
  The Maersk Alabama and her crew returned safely due to the remarkable 
service of the men and women of the U.S. Navy. In fact, this event has 
shown the importance of having a fleet capable of maintaining a global 
maritime presence that allows the Navy to respond to emergencies around 
the world.
  We must also commend the actions of our remarkable Navy SEAL snipers. 
The special operations community rarely receives the recognition they 
deserve, nor do they seek it. While they do not look for notoriety, 
this resolution honors their service and recognizes their contributions 
to U.S. national security.
  The success of the Navy SEAL snipers who saved Captain Phillips is a 
prime example of the superior training our SEALs receive; training that 
begins at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado and reinforced through 
multiple tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, and now off the coast of 
Somalia.
  Mr. Speaker, I know I join all Americans in welcoming this crew home 
with both great pride and great relief and in honoring our brave 
service members for a job well done.
  I hope all of my colleagues vote in favor of this important measure.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I have no further requests 
for time. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 339.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________