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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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6

'I'm Not a Hero': Rescued Captain

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(AP) – Shipping captain Richard Phillips is back in his home state, a week and a half after being taken hostage by pirates. The plane carrying Phillips, who was rescued by Navy SEAL snipers, landed in Burlington, Vt., late this afternoon. "I'm not a hero," Phillips, from nearby Underhill, said on the tarmac. "The military is."

"We did it," Phillips, 53, said of the crew of the Alabama Maersk. "We did what we were trained to do." His wife, children and others went on board the corporate jet to greet him. Phillips waved to a small, cheering crowd and hugged his daughter as he walked inside a building for a private reunion. He was to be feted at home with his favorite beer, a chicken pot pie made by a friend, and brownies made by his mother-in-law.

Livy Strong, chairperson of the Jericho Underhill Park District, sets up US flags at the Mills Riverside Park in Underhill, Vt., to welcome Capt. Richard Phillips back home today.
Livy Strong, chairperson of the Jericho Underhill Park District, sets up US flags at the Mills Riverside Park in Underhill, Vt., to welcome Capt. Richard Phillips back home today.   (AP Photo)
Capt. Richard Phillips smiles after arriving on a plane in South Burlington, Vt., today.
Capt. Richard Phillips smiles after arriving on a plane in South Burlington, Vt., today.   (AP Photo)
A sign outside of a local store welcomes Capt. Richard Phillips home to Underhill, Vt., today.
A sign outside of a local store welcomes Capt. Richard Phillips home to Underhill, Vt., today.   (AP Photo)
Livy Strong, chairperson of the Jericho Underhill Park District, sets up a sign to welcome Capt. Richard Phillips back home today.
Livy Strong, chairperson of the Jericho Underhill Park District, sets up a sign to welcome Capt. Richard Phillips back home today.   (AP Photo)
Capt. Richard Phillips kisses his wife, Andrea, after arriving on a plane in South Burlington, Vt., Friday, April 17, 2009. At rear is his daughter, Mariah.
Capt. Richard Phillips kisses his wife, Andrea, after arriving on a plane in South Burlington, Vt., Friday, April 17, 2009. At rear is his daughter, Mariah.   (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
Capt. Richard Phillips, center, hugs his children after arriving on a plane in South Burlington, Vt., Friday, April 17, 2009. At left is son, Daniel. At right is daughter, Mariah.
Capt. Richard Phillips, center, hugs his children after arriving on a plane in South Burlington, Vt., Friday, April 17, 2009. At left is son, Daniel. At right is daughter, Mariah.   (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
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6 comments
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woody66
Apr 17, 09 4:52 PM CDT
I feel a $2 million book deal coming on.............. Reply
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Collusive
Apr 17, 09 5:19 PM CDT
No, your not. But thanks for clarifying. Reply
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Mr.C
Apr 17, 09 8:50 PM CDT
+1
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TerrifiedCitizen
Apr 18, 09 1:00 AM CDT
Considering this guys limited military and terrorist training... and the voluntary chances he took to spare members of his crew, he's one of the first "hero's" in a long time to have actually earned the title in my book. Reply
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jimmypop
Apr 18, 09 7:05 AM CDT
I agree with Terrified Citizen. A very humble "hero" he certainly is. With book and movie deals looming, I don't see him working too much more on the high seas! Reply
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