A longtime Navy SEAL, Lieutenant Adam Schwarze holds leadership responsibilities as platoon in-water mission commander. Adam Schwarze is part of a fighting force known for perseverance, improvisation, and bravery in missions that often never come to public attention. One mission that did gain recognition through a retired Navy admiral’s book involved the rescue of Richard Phillips, captain of the MV Maersk Alabama.
In April 2009, the ship, manned by 23 crew members and with a cargo load of 17,000 metric tons, was sailing in the Indian Ocean, 300 miles from its departure port of Mombasa, Kenya. At this point, four Somali pirates with heavy arms approached in a Taiwanese fishing boat they had hijacked two days before.
Despite the Maersk Alabama taking evasive measures, the pirates successfully stormed the boat. After Captain Phillips overpowering and wounding the lead pirate, he worked out a deal whereby his crew could leave the ship in return for the pirate leader's return. This ultimately led to a standoff in the high seas, with the USS Bainbridge, a naval destroyer, and Halyburton, a frigate, surrounding the Maersk Alabama. The pirates held Phillips in a lifeboat and attempted to negotiate safe passage to Somalia.
Ultimately, a Navy SEAL Team Six sniper group arrived by parachute and set up on the poop deck of the Bainbridge. Though armed with .30-caliber sniper rifles, they were prevented from taking action by rules of engagement until it became clear that Captain Phillips was in imminent danger. After two days, the pirates were seen aiming AK-47s at their captive’s head in an agitated manner. At this point, from a distance of 30 yards and bobbing at sea, the SEALs accurately took out the pirates with sniper shots and rescued Phillips unharmed.
