The FReeper Foxhole Remembers The USS PUEBLO HiJacking (1/23/1968) - Nov. 4th, 2003

http://home.sandiego.edu/~sgreer/pueblo.html ^

[SAMWolf]

Lord,

Keep our Troops forever in Your care

Give them victory over the enemy...

Grant them a safe and swift return...

Bless those who mourn the lost.
.

FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer
for all those serving their country at this time.

...................................................................................... ...........................................

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The Story of the USS Pueblo

The USS Pueblo was originally constructed in Kewaunee, Wisconsin in 1944 as FP-344, a U.S. Army Transportation Corps general purpose supply ship. This designation was later changed to FS-344 and the ship was eventually retired from active service in 1954. In April 1966, it was transferred to the control of the U.S. Navy and was commissioned as USS Pueblo AKL-44 (Auxiliary Light Cargo). The ship was given its name after Pueblo, Colorado. Finally, in May 1967, the Navy gave the ship its final designation of AGER-2, an environmental research vessel. Lieutenant Commander Lloyd M. “Pete” Bucher was the first commanding officer of the USS Pueblo.

USS Pueblo (AGER-2)

After the Pueblo was commissioned, it departed its home in Bremerton, WA in September 1967. After making a liberty call in San Francisco, it was enroute San Diego. After more sea trials and training, the Pueblo left San Diego in early November. It stopped in Pearl Harbor, HI to replenish supplies, to repair the ship's steering engine, and to receive intelligence and operational briefings. After a three day visit, it was off to Japan, where it arrived December 1, 1967 in Yokosuka.



Until this point, the majority of the crew did not know what Pueblo's real mission was. In fact, the newly-appointed CDR Bucher told the crew just prior to leaving on its first mission that their mission and destination were none of their business but not to worry about it. Only CDR Bucher, a few officers on board, and the Communications Technicians (CTs) knew the details of Operation Clickbeetle and where they would be operating. Due to its new mission and the joint program with NSA, Pueblo was tasked not through the typical Navy channels but instead through the Naval Security Group Command. Before departing Japan, Pueblo was given its official mission orders. The Pueblo departed Sasebo, Japan around January 11, 1968 enroute North Korea's east coast. The three primary operating areas in which Pueblo would be operating were given the celestial code names of Op Area Pluto, Venus, and Mars. According to its new mission orders, Pueblo was tasked to:

1. Intercept and locate coastal radars
2. Determine the North Korean and Soviet reaction to overt intelligence collection and report on deployments indicating offensive actions against American forces
3. Collect intelligence on Soviet Navy units
4. Evaluate Pueblo's collection capabilities
5. Depart the operating areas January 27 to intercept and conduct surveillance of Soviet Navy units in the Tsushima Straits
6. Return to Sasebo, Japan by February 4

Risk Assessment



According to the United States Commander-In-Chief Pacific Fleet (US CINCPACFLT), Pueblo's mission was assigned a risk assessment of Minimal. This was primarily due to the lack of valuable information on North Korean forces. CDR Bucher tried to get the assessment raised to Hazardous but his request was denied. Another reason the mission was assigned a Minimal assessment was because the Pueblo was instructed to remain in international waters, as clearly stated in the mission orders. However, when the USS Banner was tasked to conduct similar missions, it was assigned a Hazardous risk assessment and Air Force fighters were on strip alert as well as two Navy destroyers were located within 50 miles of the Banner's operations. Only a few military units knew of Pueblo's mission: the U.S. Seventh Fleet, which is responsible for Navy operations in the Pacific theater, U.S. Forces Korea, which commands American forces stationed in South Korea, and the U.S. Fifth Air Force out of Fuchu, Japan. The U.S. Fifth Air Force personnel even questioned the lack of strip alert status for Pueblo's support but they were verbally informed that such measures would not be needed. Furthermore, due to the Minimal risk assessment, the U.S. Navy made no specific requests for support for the Pueblo.

Seizure of the USS Pueblo



While transiting to the first operation area, Pluto in the vicinity of Chongjin and Songjin, Pueblo encountered a severe winter ice storm as is common in the Sea of Japan. Also enroute, Pueblo managed to conduct training on its recently-installed shipboard weapons, the .50 caliber machine gun. The .50 caliber might be effective against a very small vessel, but certainly did not pose a threat to a patrol boat or larger vessel; but since it was the only weapon Pueblo was equipped with, the crew had to make due with what was available. While operating in Op Area Pluto, Pueblo did not encounter any significant visual or electronic contacts. The only contacts it reported sighting were Russian and Japanese freighters but at least the oceanographers were able to collect their data. Since there was a lack of activity in Op Area Pluto, Pueblo transited southward down the coast to Op Area Venus, which was in the area of Mayang Do. The only significant activity in Op Area Venus came on 21 January when a North Korean (modified Soviet variant) SO-1 subchaser passed within 1,600 yards of Pueblo traveling about 25 knots. Pueblo had been operating in strict emmisions control (EMCON) to avoid being detected and indentified. Since the SO-1 also emitted no radar, there was no reason for Pueblo to break its radio silence and contact the threatening vessel. Shortly thereafter, Pueblo departed Venus and transited south yet again to Op Area Mars, which was off the coast of Wonsan. Almost immediately, the amount of electronic intelligence (ELINT) increased. On 22 January, Pueblo was approached by two North Korean, Russian-built fishing trawlers. The trawlers approached twice; the first time, they circled Pueblo about 500 yards away but after leaving, they returned and circled Pueblo as close as 25 yards. Concerned, Pueblo broke EMCON and tried to send off its first situation report (SITREP) to USNAVSECGRU to infom them of the close encounter. The message took nearly 14 hours to send because of the difficulty in maintaining a communications frequency. USNAVSECGRU had no knowledge of Pueblo's status until 10:00 AM on 23 January.


Fireman Duane Hodges

The same day, 31 North Koreans dressed in South Korean uniforms crossed the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and got to within one block of the South Korean presidential palace, the Blue House. However, the raid was detected and the men were executed. Since it had only one day left on station off the North Korean coast, the decision was made not to inform Pueblo of the foiled attempt. Instead, Pueblo received National Basketball Association scores.

After assuming its night position of 25 nautical miles offshore, on 23 January Pueblo moved to 15 miles from the nearest land, which was Yo Do, an island near Wonsan. In this new area, there was an increase in ELINT. While eating lunch in the wardroom, CDR Bucher was interrupted twice to be informed of an approaching ship 8 miles away and about three minutes later, informing him that the ship was five miles away and approaching very fast. The ship was identified as a North Korean SO-1 subchaser traveling at 40 knots. In order to appear legitimate and conduct oceanographic research, two civilian oceanographers went topside where they could be seen and began to take ocean observations. Signal flags were also hoisted to indicate that was what was going on.



The crew of the subchaser could now be seen and were observed to be at battle stations. When the SO-1 closed to within 1,000 yards, it asked the Pueblo's nationality. In response, the Pueblo immediately hoisted the American flag. Then, at 12:10 PM, a message from the SO-1 to shore was intercepted; it said, "The name of the target is GER-2. I judge it to be a reconnaissance ship. It is American guys. It does not appear that there are weapons and it is a hydrographic mapping ship." Following that, three North Korean P-4 torpedo boats were approaching. The SO-1 closed to 500 yards and signaled "HEAVE TO OR I WILL FIRE." At this point, Pueblo was not moving and the nearest land was 15.8 miles, well outside of the 12-mile territorial waters boundary afforded states according to international law. Pueblo responded to the order, "I AM IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS." Then, two North Korean MiG-21 fighter jets did a low flyover of the area. To make matters even more serious, another subchaser and another torpedo boat were approaching; that made a total of two SO-1 subchasers, four P-4 torpedo boats, and two MiG-21 fighters.


Poor-quality photograph of a chart of the Wonsan area, North Korea. The chart was exhibited by the North Korean government to support their claim that USS Pueblo (AGER-2) had entered that state's territorial waters off Wonsan before she was attacked and captured by North Korean forces on 23 January 1968.

In an attempt to depart the area to avoid a confrontation, the Pueblo got underway. Nearly an hour after the first one, another message was intercepted from the SO-1 to shore saying "...according to present instructions we will close down the radio, tie up the personnel, tow it and enter port Wonsan. At present, we are on our way to boarding. We are coming in." Just then, Pueblo observed men apparently from the North Korean Army (NKA) armed with AK-47s transferring from one of the subchasers to one of the torpedo boats. The P-4 then approached Pueblo's starboard side. To prevent the men from boarding, Pueblo moved and attempted again to depart the area doing close to its top speed. The initial harrasser, the SO-1, came alongside again indicating "HEAVE TO OR I WILL FIRE" and did fire its 57mm guns at the Pueblo while the torpedo boats fired machine guns at Pueblo's superstructure. CDR Bucher and two other men were wounded when the 57mm explosive rounds hit the radar mast and the flying bridge. While this was happening, Bucher instictively ordered the destruction of classified material on board and he also ordered a modified General Quarters posture to allow no personnel topside.

However, the Pueblo had too much classified material onboard that even with every method of destruction possible being used, it was obvious that not all the material could be destroyed. Pueblo continued on an eastward track when the two MiGs flew over again while the SO-1 and P-4's continued firing; one of the P-4's uncovered its torpedo tube. Although Pueblo was equipped with two .50 caliber machine guns, it was helpless compared to the superior North Korean firepower. Pueblo's gun mounts were still covered and frozen and the ammunition was stored below decks. To attempt to man the mounts would have been suicidal so CDR Bucher ordered no such attempt.


Hole in side of Pueblo where Duane Hodges was mortally wounded.

The Pueblo stopped and consequently, the firing stopped. The subchaser signaled to the Pueblo, "FOLLOW ME HAVE PILOT ON BOARD." Pueblo started to follow slowly, then increased speed, then stopped again to try to buy more time to destroy more classified material. This provoked the North Koreans to begin firing again and claiming the only casualty of the incident, Fireman Duane Hodges. Hodges was dumping material overboard when he and several others were hit. In order to obey the North Koreans' order to follow and keep them from firing, the Pueblo proceeded slowly so it could also continue classified destruction. During this time, Pueblo was in constant radio communications with the Naval Security Group in Kamiseya, Japan, who sent its last message saying "Some birds winging your way," giving the idea that air support was enroute.

The SO-1 signaled the Pueblo to stop in order for the P-4 with the North Korean Army troops onboard to come alongside and board. Once aboard, they gathered the Pueblo crew on the fantail and the forward well deck of the ship where they were blindfolded and forced to sit with their hands tied. Any crewmember who resisted was kicked, punched, and jabbed with bayonets by the NKA troops. Once the Pueblo was inside territorial waters, Pueblo was stopped to embark higher ranking officers. After they boarded, a North Korean civilian pilot drove the ship at its highest speed setting toward Wonsan. A North Korean colonel made an inspection of the ship and had the Pueblo crew members put into the forward berthing quarters.


Another hole from 57mm cannon
North Korean propaganda film frames

The Pueblo was docked in Wonsan, where a crowd of North Koreans had gathered, shouting anti-American slurs. The Hispanic crewmembers were thought to be South Koreans and were attacked by the North Korean soldiers. The crew was then put on buses with covered windows, which took them to a train station where they would board a train also with covered windows. The train took them to the capital, Pyongyang, where the press was waiting to photo the North Korean's prize. From the train station, the crew was again put on a bus that took them to the first compound that they would go to during their time in captivity.

American Response



This incident marked the first time that an American Naval vessel had been hijacked since the Civil War. Up until this point, and during the Cold War, such a feat was unimaginible, especially from an inferior power like North Korea so the U.S. was not prepared for a response. And with the Vietnam War nearly at its peak, the U.S. could hardly afford to wage another war, even if it was in the same theater of operations. However, one response that was planned was Operation Red Fox, which lasted from 23 January 1968 - 5 February 1969. Red Fox consisted of several 9th Air Force active units that deployed various types of aircraft (i.e. fighters, reconnaissance, and support) to U.S. bases in the Pacific. Additionally, six U.S. Air Force Reserve units were activated in case of escalation. Many missions were flown in order to train for action if necessary but no air strikes were conducted and Operation Red Fox turned out to be just a standby alternative.

[Light Speed]

G'Dat snippy : )

These little and by 1940's obsolete River Gunboats had a colorfull history contending against Communism's emergence in China..along with Japans quadrant aggressions leading up to WW-2 and during its first months.

USS Luzon PR 7 and USS Oahu PR 6 made an exciting escape from the Japanese at the wars onset..finding themselves in the Phillipines and the Heroic defense of Corregidor.

Hard Way Back

Americas Flag flying bravely in the face of overwhelming odds : )

[colorado tanker]

Like you tag line, Sam. I still hear from some liberals that ridiculous line that "true" communism hasn't "really" been tried yet.

[SAMWolf]

I don't think we've covered the Yangtze Gunboats. It'd be a good subject, We'll look and see what we can find.

[SAMWolf]

Thanks for the link to hard way back. It's always good to see people use the net to create memorials to their relatives. You get the "personal touch" of events.

[SAMWolf]

Yeah,I've heard that BS arguement too.

[Light Speed]

Several good posts recently on FR concerning lying and deception as a permisable and desired reality within Islam...quotes abound in the Quran for Jihadi to exploit.

Another facet is *Extortion as a intereim reality between Al Harb [House of War] and subjugation.

Since Sept 11th the U.S. has been paying out way too much money to these savages..and getting nothing in return.

Heavy sigh,..Are we too soft and morally confused in this war on terror and ..Extorion /cash windfall thingy?

Ghost of Black Jack Pershing come and kick our butts..then crush the Jihadi like were supposed too : )

[colorado tanker]

My experience in most of the Third World, not just Muslim countries, is that lying is an accepted part of life. Gullible Westerners just don't believe someone could smile and speak earnestly while lying through their teeth. And its not just corruption. In a country like Thailand people are so darn polite they'd often rather lie than tell you bad news.

My understanding is that it is no sin to lie to an "infidel" or non-believer in the Muslim faith. Shoot, Muslims lie to each other all the time. Look at all the pious pro-Arab, anti-American platitudes that come out of Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, while at the same time they are allied with the U.S. They just lie to keep their sheeple happy.

[Neil E. Wright]

Hello everyone .... :)

Sorry for not getting into these threads the last few days ... but my Gun Guy has been in the hospital since last week and I've been running the gun store while he's out of action ..... this means, of course, I have to get up EARLY in the AM (well, early for me anyway) .... and go open the store ..... but it would be a GREAT time for someone looking for a new shooting iron to get a GREAT DEAL ...... ROFL ..... :)

Thanks for all your, and SAMWolf's, hard work on these Foxhole threads!

±

"The Era of Osama lasted about an hour, from the time the first plane hit the tower to the moment the General Militia of Flight 93 reported for duty."
Toward FREEDOM

[snippy_about_it]

Thanks Neil. Now I know you aren't complaining about being around all those firearms!! Might be a nice part time job. ;)

Hope your Gun Guy will get better soon.

[Darksheare]

That last pic in post 43, is that Randy Cunningham in his bird Showtime 100 versus Colonel Tomb?

[Light Speed]

Lt. Randy Cunningham with his back-seater Willie Driscoll, score the second of three air victories achieved during a single mission, May 10th. 1972, making them the only US Navy Aces of the Vietnam War.

Revell/Monogram have a nice 1/48 of Cunninghams F4J... Its an eye catcher for sure..as guests often notice mine when visiting.

Hasegawa also makes a 1/48 which is the photo below.

[Light Speed]

A U.S. Army tank guards a marketplace in the Baghdad suburb of Abu Ghraib, November 2, 2003. Locals said skirmishes developed in a market area of the town for the second time in three days, and military bulldozers later demolished stalls set up near the roadway.

Just like Israel...U.S. forces on the ready line as Jihadi's exploit a common area like a market to kill.

[LisaMalia]

Thanks for this information. I'm embarrased to say that the only thing I knew before reading this thread about word Pueblo, is the city in Colorado that reminds me of a post office.
After reading this, I know more, and plan to shout it from the rooftops.

[Light Speed]

The children of Iraq frenzying like the Palestinian terror-tories.

Iraqi children celebrate with a picture of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) in the center of Fallujah, 65 km west of Baghdad, Monday, Nov 3, 2003. Gunners brought down a U.S. Army Chinook helicopter in Fallujah on Sunday, killing 16 and wounding 20 others. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

[LisaMalia]

Sad.......

[Light Speed]

M-26 with German Panther on trailer

M26 12-ton Tractor & M15 Semi-Trailer

If not the largest American vehicle used in World War II, then the 'Dragon Wagon' must be the best known of the heavy haulers. Designed to recover the M4 Medium Tank from frontline battlefield conditions, the 'Dragon Wagon' could tow the tank if the running gear was intact - or haul the entire tank up on the flatbed trailer. Though the vehicle was rated to transport 40 tons - the weight of the M4 Medium Tank - the 'Dragon Wagon' often hauled far more. Virtually anything the crew could put on the flatbed could be hauled by this truck. Loads up to 100,000 pounds were not unusual for the 'Dragon Wagon'. The first version of the 'Dragon Wagon' had an armor plated cab to protect the crew. It was anticipated that the vehicle would be employed while under enemy fire. This additional weight, however, belabored the tractor severely and impacted its overall performance. When tank recovery under fire didn't prove the case in actual use in Western Europe, the M26A1 variant was developed. This being an unarmored cab, open topped and radically different in appearance from the armored version.

[snippy_about_it]

Thank you Lisa and welcome to FR and the FReeper Foxhole.

[snippy_about_it]

Sorry we have been out of touch tonight, SAM and I have been working on some of our applications and only able to post occassionally. We will be able to post the Foxhole, we are just busy working on some minor issues and haven't had much time to be online.

Thanks everyone. We are here just busy working on the computer and our files. We are multi-tasking but we have a lot of tasks. LOL.

[Soaring Feather]

It's fine snippy it takes a lot of time doing a history thread.

[Light Speed]

We are multi-tasking but we have a lot of tasks. LOL.

Is that like LeeLoo Dallas Multi Pass ?...

From the Movie...The Fifth Element.

Just teasing Snippy...Anyhoo..rent the Movie if you haven't seen it..its great!

Keep Tasking!