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Captain, Family Laud Military 'Heroes'

Colleagues and friends praise Phillips' high-stakes performance

By Amelia Atlas, Newser User

Posted Apr 14, 2009 6:37 AM CDT

(Newser) – Richard Phillips has been hailed a hero, but the rescued captain is downplaying his own role and praising his military saviors, reports the Boston Globe. "I'm just a small part in this. The real heroes in this story are the US military. They are the most dedicated, professional, and capable group around," said Phillips in a statement read by his wife, Andrea, yesterday at a press conference. Phillips added her own thanks to his rescuers: "You all just gave me the best Easter ever."

Colleagues, however, are happy to give Phillips the credit. He used his risk analysis training to find the safest path out of a dangerous situation, said one: "I honestly believe that Rich, for all his capabilities, was the right person to be put in that position." Meanwhile, maritime students at Phillips' alma mater have watched the events with admiration. "You can't let something like this scare you from doing your job," said one.

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[Videos (1)]

[Quotes (3)]

Barack Obama, accompanied by VP Joe Biden, says that the US will seek to halt increasing threat of piracy off the Horn of Africa and praised the military's successful rescue. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge underway off the coast of Somalia Sept. 25, 2007 while conducting anti-piracy operations. (AP Photo/U.S. Navy, Petty Officer 2nd Class Vincent J. Street)

Andrea Phillips, the wife of Capt. Richard Phillips, right, smiles during a news conference in South Burlington, Vt. April 13, 2009. At center is her daughter, Mariah. At left is her son, Daniel. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)

In this photo provided by Maersk Line, Limited, this family photo of Andrea and Richard Phillips at a favorite spot in Maine, is provided by the Phillips' family. (AP Photo/Phillips family via Maersk Line, Limited)

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Andrea Phillips, wife of Capt. Richard Phillips offered a statement through a Maersk representative saying she had laryngitis. She spoke briefly before turning the microphone over to a rep. (MiddleEastNews)

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I'm just a small part in this. The real heroes in this story are the US military. They are the most dedicated, professional, and capable group around. We should all reach out and thank them. - Andrea Phillips, speaking for her husband

I wholeheartedly want to thank everyone involved in rescuing Richard and ensuring his safe passage home to his children and me. You all just gave me the best Easter ever. - Andrea Phillips

It didn't take long for me to realize that Rich had special abilities. He exhibited a resilience, a hard work ethic, and an ability to get everybody to work to a higher level. - Peter Stalkus, friend and colleague

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Captain, Family Laud Military 'Heroes'