The Navy commander responsible for making a split-second decision that ended a high-seas hostage situation off Somalia grew up on Long Island and was able to share his experience with News 12.

Frank Castellano grew up in Bellport playing hockey and video games and is now commander of the Navy destroyer the USS Bainbridge. He was the one who ordered snipers to shoot the Somali pirates holding American Capt. Richard Phillips hostage on Sunday.

In a telephone interview with News 12 Long Island, Castellano says the standoff in the Indian Ocean grew more and more tense over the five days. The 40-year-old father of two says when one pirate was seen holding an assault rifle to the back of Phillips' head, he had to make the call to shoot.

"The decision had to be made because Capt. Phillips' life was in danger,? Castellano says.

And after, ?It was jubilant,? Castellano says. ?Basically a cry went throughout the ship, of joy, that Captain Phillips had been rescued."

Castellano lived in Bellport for nearly 20 years. His parents still live there and those who know him say the entire community is honored and not surprised by his heroics.

To hear more of the interview with Castellano, go to Channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.