(AP) -- WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama says he shares the country's admiration for the bravery of sea captain Richard Phillips.
Phillips was freed after spending five days adrift in a lifeboat off the Horn of Africa, when Navy snipers picked off all three pirates holding him hostage. A fourth pirate was on board the nearby U.S.S. Bainbridge for discussions when the rescue took place.
The Pentagon twice asked Obama for permission to use military force when it thought the captain was in danger and both times received it.
The White House says Obama received regular updates throughout the ordeal. And shortly after receiving word the captain had been rescued, he released a statement praising Phillips' "selfless concern for his crew." Obama says, "His courage is a model for all Americans."
In the same statement, Obama says the U.S. will continue to work with its international partners to prevent future attacks.
Pirates continue to hold more than a dozen ships with about 230 crew members.
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