Richard Phillips — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Served as captain of the MV Maersk Alabama during its 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates.
Graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1979.
Author of a book about his experiences.

Biography

Richard Phillips is an American merchant mariner and author, born on May 16, 1955. He is widely recognized for his role as captain of the MV Maersk Alabama during its hijacking by Somali pirates in April 2009.

Phillips graduated from Winchester High School in 1973 and initially enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to study international law. He later transferred to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, graduating in 1979.