Ship's Captain Held by Pirates Returns Home to Vermont, Says He's Not a Hero

Richard Phillips, the American cargo ship captain who risked his life to save his crew in a standoff with Somali pirates, returned home to Vermont on Friday and said the true heroes were the members of the military who freed him.

Phillips, who was freed Easter Sunday by Navy snipers, landed Friday afternoon in Burlington, Vt., aboard a small blue jet chartered by his employer, the shipping company Maersk.

Embraced by his wife and daughter, Phillips gave a wave as he exited the plane at Burlington International Airport with other family members.

A few minutes later, after spending some time alone with his family, Phillips re-appeared to address reporters covering his arrival.

"I'm not a hero, the military is. Thank them." he said. "They are doing an impossible job. I would not be here without them."

Phillips also thanked his family, his crew, his company and all Americans for their prayers and support during the difficult time.

"We're just seamen, we do the best we can with what we've got," he said.