Somali pirate hostage, subject of new Tom Hanks movie, to speak at Newsmaker Oct. 10

Capt. Richard Phillips, who survived a harrowing ordeal at sea in 2009 when his ship the Maersk Alabama was boarded by Somali pirates and whose story is the subject of a new feature film, "Captain Phillips," starring Tom Hanks, will speak at a National Press Club Newsmaker at 4 p.m. Oct 10.

In addition to discussing the film, which opens the next day, and his experiences at sea, Phillips will talk about pending budget cuts to the U.S. merchant marine caused by sequestration that could eliminate a third of the ships used to haul military cargo.

Other proposed cuts would eliminate American-flagged ships from the federal Food for Peace program. One of the ships that may be on the chopping block is the Maersk Alabama.

Phillips will be joined by Capt. Steven Werse, secretary-treasurer of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, the union that represents American bridge and deck officers.