NORFOLK (AP) -- The captain of a commercial ship hijacked by Somali pirates plans to visit Norfolk to publicly thank the crew of the ship that served as a base for his rescuers.
City officials say Maersk-Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips will issue his first public expression of appreciation to the commanding officer and crew of the USS Bainbridge in the city on Nov. 19.
"We went through a lot together," said USS Bainbridge commander Frank Castellano.
He attended a Wednesday news conference with Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim as Phillips' visit was officially announced.
"Bainbridge's actions over those five days in April were not unique, as any U.S. Navy warship would've come to the aid of a vessel in distress and would accomplish the mission. And in fact, our shipmates are deployed around the world today, conducting numerous operations and demonstrating on a daily basis why the United States Navy is a global force for good."
While in town, Phillips will serve as marshal of Norfolk's Grand Illumination Parade.
The visit also coincides with the Hampton Roads Naval Museum's exhibit "Piracy Today: Terror on the High Seas." That exhibit will include the lifeboat used by the pirates to hold Phillips.
Phillips has been hailed for offering himself to the pirates in exchange for his crew's safety.
©2009 The Associated Press.
