In April 2009, the attention of the world turned to the coast off of Africa, where an American Merchant Marine Captain was being held for ransom by Somali pirates. Telling his story in “A Captain’s Duty”, Richard Phillips details his life in the Merchant Marine and the events that led up to the pirates boarding of his ship and holding him hostage. Phillips was able to protect his crew, allowing them to escape to safety and to control the situation so that he was the only hostage taken. His gripping account of the harrowing details of his confinement and subsequent rescue by Navy Seals is difficult to put down. Phillips also gives an account of the stress and uncertainty that his family at home had to endure. Phillips exemplifies the best characteristics of a leader–concern for and trust in his crew, excellent training, selflessness, a willingness to accept differences in people, a calm demeanor and confidence in his abilities. His crew was lucky to be serving under Phillips during this incident, as his decisions allowed them all to return home safely. As Captain Phillips said of his rescue by the Navy, “It never ends like this”.