Enemy soldiers captured the USS Pueblo (AGER-2) during the Vietnam War. It was decided that the crew would have to handle things on their own because of the United States’ heavy engagement in the war and the danger of tensions getting worse.
They were held captive by North Koreans for eleven months and subjected to horrific torture until they were finally liberated and allowed to go home. But the Pueblo is still held by the enemy today.
USS Pueblo (AGER-2) prior to becoming a spy ship
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The FP-344/FS-344, a cargo ship of the Banner class, was initially commissioned by the US Army in 1944. In April 1945, she began her service with the US Coast Guard.
Throughout her active years, the ship played a crucial role in training civilians for Army service. This responsibility was fulfilled with utmost dedication until her decommissioning in 1954.
After more than ten years, the ship underwent significant modifications and was given a new name, USS Pueblo, AKL-44. Its purpose shifted to becoming a light cargo carrier, and later on, further enhancements allowed it to function as an environmental research platform under the designation AGER-2.
The mission of the Pueblo expanded in its new capacity to include gathering intelligence for the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) and the National Security Agency (NSA).
USS Pueblo (AGER-2) is deployed to North Korea
In 1967, the USS Pueblo successfully completed its shakedown training and was all set for its first espionage mission. Setting sail on January 5, 1968, the ship’s objective was to gather valuable intelligence on North Korea and the Soviet Navy.
After eleven days, the Pueblo arrived at the 42nd parallel, ready to conduct patrols along the North Korean coastline while maintaining a safe distance of at least 13 nautical miles from the shore.
On January 23, 1968, North Korea initiated an attack on the Pueblo. The spy ship was warned by a submarine chaser to either surrender or be fired upon. In an attempt to evade the threat, the Pueblo turned away, but due to its slower speed compared to the North Korean vessel, it was unable to escape.
The enemy submarine chaser swiftly received reinforcement from four torpedo boats, an extra chaser, and two Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21s. Despite being armed with only a few handguns and a pair of M2 Brownings, the crew of the Pueblo valiantly defended against the assault, refusing to let the North Koreans board.
North Korea captures the USS Pueblo (AGER-2)
Upon arrival at the port city of Wonsan, the crew of the USS Pueblo diligently worked to eliminate as much classified information as they could. Sadly, their efforts to dispose of highly sensitive documents necessitated a reduction in their speed, rendering them susceptible to potential attacks.
American sailors were held captive for months
During the attack on the USS Pueblo, the crew successfully established radio contact with US forces in South Korea. In recalling the events, Chicca expressed disbelief, stating, “The last conversations we received over the radio were that help was on the way, and it was clear that it wasn’t. I couldn’t believe that we would be left stranded out there like we were.”
Signing the three A’s document
On December 23, 1968, US Army Maj. Gilbert Woodward affixed his signature to a document crafted by North Korean authorities, famously referred to as the three A’s agreement.
This agreement demanded that the US take responsibility for their actions, tender an apology, and pledge to prevent any recurrence of such incidents in the future.
After the crewmen were freed and sent back to the United States, the North Koreans continued to hold onto the USS Pueblo. They first displayed the ship in Wonsan and Hŭngnam, but later moved it to the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum in Pyongyang.
USS Pueblo (AGER-2) is still held captive
The US Navy still maintains technical ownership of the spy ship, even though she is held in captivity. This makes her one of the service’s longest-serving vessels, as she is still officially active.
The ship has been converted into a tourist attraction and undergoes regular maintenance, including a recent paint job to commemorate the anniversary of the Korean War.
After former President Donald Trump designated North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism in 2017, survivors and families of deceased sailors from the USS Pueblo saw an opportunity to seek justice by suing the country under the Foreign Immunities Act.
In a significant development, they were eventually awarded $2.3 billion in compensation in 2021. However, it is still unclear how and when they will actually receive this compensation.