Maersk Crew Comes Home

Seaman who thwarted pirates get hero's welcome back on US soil

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 16, 2009 1:21 AM CDT

(Newser) – The American sailors who thwarted a pirate attack off the coast of Somalia have arrived home to a hero's welcome, reports the AP. Dozens of family members erupted in cheers and applause as the 19 crew members from the Maersk Alabama stepped off a charter flight from Kenya at Andrews Air Force Base early this morning.

Shipping company workers had hung a "Welcome Home Maersk Alabama" banner adorned with yellow ribbons near the scene. "I'm happy to see my family," shouted one crewman carrying a child. The crew members had to fly home without their skipper, Capt. Richard Phillips, after the Navy destroyer that rescued him was diverted to the scene of another pirate attack. He could fly to the US today.

[Images (5)]

[Videos (1)]

Employees of Maersk hang a banner and yellow ribbons before crew members of the Maersk Alabama arrive at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Wednesday, April 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A crew member of the Maersk Alabama walks on the tarmac with his daughter as he arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Thursday, April 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

ATM Reza from the merchant vessel Maersk Alabama walks on the tarmac with wife Elizabeth as he arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Thursday, April 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Family members walk out to greet the plane as crew members of the merchant vessel Maersk Alabama arrive at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Crew members of the merchant vessel Maersk Alabama, which was attacked by Somali pirates, wave as they arrive at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., early Thursday, April 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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The Maersk Alabama crew members arrive at Andrews AFB in Maryland and reunite with their family members. (CNN Video)

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Maersk Crew Comes Home