There are those among us who put their lives on the line every day to serve the general public. Sometimes there are even movies made about such leaders.  Last night I sat 5 rows back from such a person who risked his life for the sake of his men as captain and merchant mariner in 2009 as the first U.S. vessel in 200 years was hijacked by 4 Somali pirates. 

Today retired from the service at 59, Captain Richard Phillips now  travels on the lecture circuit instead of a freighter. Tuesday evening he spoke to a full Viterbo auditorium where he delivered in a quick Bostonian clip speech and wit to boot, Captain Phillips, the real Captain Phillips, not Tom Hanks, shared his version of the hostage situation off the Somali coast in which he comandeered the Maersk Alabama. He explained that piracy exists on the seas every day. This particular route was familar to him as he had spent the previous 4 years in its 1000 miles of Somali waters.

Noticing security had become lax, Captain Phillips drilled his crew to prepare for different piracy possibilities and solutions. Plans were evaluated and reevaluated. Doors needed to be locked and a safe haven decided. By the time this was not a drill but the 'real' thing, the armed Somali pirates boarded the freighter, all but 3 of the crew were hidden away. The engines had been stopped which infuriated the pirates to no end as it's difficult to steal a stopped vessel. 

Instead of being the last off his ship, Captain Phillips would be the first. Convincing the pirates to take him hostage with them on a life boat, the Captain kept his crew safe. He maintained his calm during the next 2 days amidst constant bantering and prodding by  AK47s and the Somalis. He kept his faith that he would escape. 

Captain Richard Phillips emphasized 3 life lessons in leadership:

1 .You are stronger than you think.

2. Nothing is over; giving up is not an option.

3. One must dedicate oneself to problems, their solutions and being prepared.

"See it through."

More advice given was to not only be critical of one's failures but also of one's successes.

As in any traumatic event, one cannot not be affected. Perhaps the retelling of his story and lessons learned help Captain Phillips face his demons. 

We can all learn something about faith and the desire to return   home from Captain Phillip's story. Below is the poem he shared and the importance of his parting words, "See it Through."

See it Through

When you're up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.
When it's vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!
Black may be the clouds about you
And your future may seem grim,
But don't let your nerve desert you;
Keep yourself in fighting trim.
If the worst is bound to happen,
Spite of all that you can do,
Running from it will not save you,
See it through!

Even hope may seem but futile,
When with troubles you're beset,
But remember you are facing
Just what other men have met.
You may fail, but fall still fighting;
Don't give up, whate'er you do;
Eyes front, head high to the finish.
See it through!

 by Edgar Albert Guest :