Capt. Phillips to Speak at Vt. University's Commencement

Phillips was kidnapped by Somali pirates while his daughter was enrolled as an art major at the Rutland County school

Capt. Richard Phillips, best known for his role in the 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama off the coast of Somalia, will deliver this year's commencement speech at Castleton University in Vermont in May.

The Rutland Herald reports Phillips was kidnapped by Somali pirates while his daughter was enrolled as an art major at the Rutland County school.

Phillips spent five days as a prisoner at sea before he was rescued by U.S. Navy SEALS on April 12, 2009.

He was famously portrayed by Tom Hanks in the 2013 film "Captain Phillips," which detailed the ordeal. In the movie's opening scene, a Castleton sticker can be seen on Phillips' van.

President David Wolk says the university is honored to have Phillips share some of his life experiences in his commencement address.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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