"I share the country's admiration for the bravery of Captain Phillips and his selfless concern for his crew. His courage is a model for all Americans." --President Barack Obama
April 12, 2009, on Captain Phillips' Rescue

It was just another day on the job for fifty-three-year-old Richard Phillips, captain of the Maersk Alabama, a United States–flagged cargo ship sailing down the coast of western Africa. That all changed when armed Somali pirates boarded the ship, setting off a tense five-day standoff and a series of life-or-death feats by Captain Richard Phillips and the group of Navy SEALs who would ultimately rescue him. A Captain's Duty follows Richard Phillips' adrenaline-packed tale of adventure and courage during his days as a hostage. When the pirates boarded his ship, Captain Phillips did everything he could to safeguard his crew. And when he was held captive, he marshaled all his resources to ensure his own survival, withstanding intense physical hardship and an escalating battle of wills with the pirates. This was it: the moment where training meets instinct and where character is everything. Richard Phillips was ready.