The week is almost over, which means that Muster XXIV will be kicking off to high gear. And while the recent abduction of Paul and Rachel Chandler and the drama that will undoubtedly surround it continues to unfold, the survivor of another pirate hostage will recount his experiences with an undoubtedly willing audience.

Those who will be attending Muster weekend will get to meet Captain Richard Phillips, a man who has publicly declared how he owes his life to the three U.S. Navy SEAL snipers who rescued him in the waters of Somalia. He will also get to see once again the life boat that was used to hold him captive, as will the thousands of participants who are scheduled to attend.

Capt. Phillips’ story is already rather well-publicized; he was piloting the Maersk Alabama on an aid mission, and on board were thousands of pounds of food destined for Somalia, Uganda and Kenya. They were boarded by a group of pirates, and Capt. Phillips was taken hostage. The rest, forgive the cliché, is history. Despite the fact, though, that many of us probably know the story very well by now, it will definitely be a different experience to hear Capt. Phillips tell the story first hand.

As always, participants get to witness Navy SEAL expertise with various demonstrations. The Leapfrogs, already a staple in many Muster events, will once again dive from planes thousands of feet in the air. These will, of course, be no ordinary dives; they will regale the audience with acrobatic stunts, concluding the demo by floating an American flag to the earth. Navy SEALs will then demonstrate helicopter assault as well as various assault techniques.