Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the primary mission of the USS Pueblo (AGER-2) when it was seized?
What was the primary mission of the USS Pueblo (AGER-2) when it was seized?
- Intelligence collection. (correct)
- Engaging in naval combat exercises near North Korean waters.
- Escorting other U.S. Navy vessels in international waters.
- Providing humanitarian aid to North Korean citizens.
Which of the following best describes Commander Lloyd M. “Pete” Bucher's actions in the initial phase of the encounter with North Korean forces?
Which of the following best describes Commander Lloyd M. “Pete” Bucher's actions in the initial phase of the encounter with North Korean forces?
- He attempted to evade capture by maneuvering and delaying compliance with North Korean orders. (correct)
- He complied with North Korean orders to heave to without hesitation.
- He initiated a distress call to the U.S. Navy and awaited reinforcements.
- He immediately ordered the crew to return fire and engage the North Korean vessels.
What types of North Korean vessels were involved in the seizure of the USS Pueblo?
What types of North Korean vessels were involved in the seizure of the USS Pueblo?
- Cruisers and destroyers.
- Battleships and aircraft carriers.
- Frigates and minesweepers.
- P-4 motor torpedo boats and modified S.O.1 submarine chasers. (correct)
Which of the following is an accurate description of the firepower brought to bear against the USS Pueblo?
Which of the following is an accurate description of the firepower brought to bear against the USS Pueblo?
What specific types of weaponry did the North Korean vessels use against the USS Pueblo?
What specific types of weaponry did the North Korean vessels use against the USS Pueblo?
How many members of the USS Pueblo's crew were wounded during the seizure, according to the provided text?
How many members of the USS Pueblo's crew were wounded during the seizure, according to the provided text?
What was Commander Bucher's condition during the seizure of the USS Pueblo?
What was Commander Bucher's condition during the seizure of the USS Pueblo?
What ultimately led Commander Bucher to surrender the USS Pueblo to North Korean forces?
What ultimately led Commander Bucher to surrender the USS Pueblo to North Korean forces?
What was a significant limitation of the .50-caliber machine guns on the Pueblo?
What was a significant limitation of the .50-caliber machine guns on the Pueblo?
Why did Commander Bucher decide against armed resistance when the Pueblo was confronted by North Korean forces?
Why did Commander Bucher decide against armed resistance when the Pueblo was confronted by North Korean forces?
Before the Pueblo incident, what was the prevailing assumption within the U.S. chain of command regarding the ship's defense?
Before the Pueblo incident, what was the prevailing assumption within the U.S. chain of command regarding the ship's defense?
What was the standing order given to the Pueblo and its sister ship, USS Banner, during intelligence-gathering missions?
What was the standing order given to the Pueblo and its sister ship, USS Banner, during intelligence-gathering missions?
How did the incident involving the USS Chesapeake and HMS Leopard in 1807 relate to assumptions made about the Pueblo's mission?
How did the incident involving the USS Chesapeake and HMS Leopard in 1807 relate to assumptions made about the Pueblo's mission?
In the context of intelligence-collection missions before the U.S.-Soviet "Incidents at Sea Agreement," what was a common occurrence?
In the context of intelligence-collection missions before the U.S.-Soviet "Incidents at Sea Agreement," what was a common occurrence?
What specific guidance did Commander Bucher receive from COMNAVFORJAPAN?
What specific guidance did Commander Bucher receive from COMNAVFORJAPAN?
What was the intended purpose of the anti-swimmer concussion grenades on the Pueblo?
What was the intended purpose of the anti-swimmer concussion grenades on the Pueblo?
What prevailing view in the U.S. Navy at the time contributed to the circumstances surrounding the USS Pueblo's mission?
What prevailing view in the U.S. Navy at the time contributed to the circumstances surrounding the USS Pueblo's mission?
Why was the assessment of the threat level against the USS Pueblo inaccurate before its first mission?
Why was the assessment of the threat level against the USS Pueblo inaccurate before its first mission?
What was the primary reason the USS Pueblo was not adequately prepared for potential hostile actions?
What was the primary reason the USS Pueblo was not adequately prepared for potential hostile actions?
Which of the following describes a significant material deficiency of the USS Pueblo that directly impacted its operational capabilities?
Which of the following describes a significant material deficiency of the USS Pueblo that directly impacted its operational capabilities?
What action did Commander Bucher take to address a critical deficiency on the USS Pueblo, and why?
What action did Commander Bucher take to address a critical deficiency on the USS Pueblo, and why?
What negative impact did the conversion of the USS Pueblo have on the ship's performance during its mission?
What negative impact did the conversion of the USS Pueblo have on the ship's performance during its mission?
Why was the award of the Prisoner of War Medal to the USS Pueblo survivors initially denied by the Navy?
Why was the award of the Prisoner of War Medal to the USS Pueblo survivors initially denied by the Navy?
What was the intended role of larger intelligence-collection ships (AGTRs) like USS Liberty (AGTR-5) compared to the actual needs of naval intelligence at the time?
What was the intended role of larger intelligence-collection ships (AGTRs) like USS Liberty (AGTR-5) compared to the actual needs of naval intelligence at the time?
What strategic decision did Commander Bucher make just before the USS Pueblo entered North Korean territorial waters, and what was his reasoning?
What strategic decision did Commander Bucher make just before the USS Pueblo entered North Korean territorial waters, and what was his reasoning?
Considering the circumstances, which of the following actions would have been the riskiest for Commander Bucher?
Considering the circumstances, which of the following actions would have been the riskiest for Commander Bucher?
What contributed to the unreliability of the USS Pueblo's engines?
What contributed to the unreliability of the USS Pueblo's engines?
What specific action did Commander Bucher NOT take during the capture of the USS Pueblo?
What specific action did Commander Bucher NOT take during the capture of the USS Pueblo?
Why might North Korea have been particularly sensitive to the USS Pueblo's activities in their claimed territorial waters?
Why might North Korea have been particularly sensitive to the USS Pueblo's activities in their claimed territorial waters?
Which factor most significantly influenced Commander Bucher's decision to not scuttle the USS Pueblo?
Which factor most significantly influenced Commander Bucher's decision to not scuttle the USS Pueblo?
What communications challenges did the USS Pueblo face during the confrontation with North Korea?
What communications challenges did the USS Pueblo face during the confrontation with North Korea?
How did the North Koreans treat Commander Bucher and his crew during the initial boarding of the USS Pueblo?
How did the North Koreans treat Commander Bucher and his crew during the initial boarding of the USS Pueblo?
Why was immediate air support unavailable to the USS Pueblo during the incident?
Why was immediate air support unavailable to the USS Pueblo during the incident?
What was a critical factor in Bucher's decision making process when faced with the North Korean patrol boats?
What was a critical factor in Bucher's decision making process when faced with the North Korean patrol boats?
What complicated the application of the 'Code of Conduct' to the USS Pueblo crew after their capture?
What complicated the application of the 'Code of Conduct' to the USS Pueblo crew after their capture?
What was the initial assessment by credible sources regarding the Soviet Union's involvement in, and reaction to, the USS Pueblo incident?
What was the initial assessment by credible sources regarding the Soviet Union's involvement in, and reaction to, the USS Pueblo incident?
What action taken by the North Koreans technically constituted a violation of naval protocol during the capture of the USS Pueblo?
What action taken by the North Koreans technically constituted a violation of naval protocol during the capture of the USS Pueblo?
What factor contributed to the ambiguity surrounding the USS Pueblo incident, particularly concerning international law and the status of the Korean War?
What factor contributed to the ambiguity surrounding the USS Pueblo incident, particularly concerning international law and the status of the Korean War?
What information was Bucher, the commander of the USS Pueblo, unaware of prior to the ship's mission?
What information was Bucher, the commander of the USS Pueblo, unaware of prior to the ship's mission?
What was a significant factor that shifted American public opinion in favor of Commander Bucher following the USS Pueblo incident?
What was a significant factor that shifted American public opinion in favor of Commander Bucher following the USS Pueblo incident?
What was the limitation with the USS Enterprise (CVAN-65) providing immediate assistance to the USS Pueblo?
What was the limitation with the USS Enterprise (CVAN-65) providing immediate assistance to the USS Pueblo?
Why did Secretary of the Navy John Chafee decide against disciplinary actions for the USS Pueblo crew?
Why did Secretary of the Navy John Chafee decide against disciplinary actions for the USS Pueblo crew?
Besides Commander Bucher, which other officers faced potential disciplinary actions related to the USS Pueblo incident?
Besides Commander Bucher, which other officers faced potential disciplinary actions related to the USS Pueblo incident?
What factor contributed to Secretary Chafee's decision to dismiss actions against Rear Admiral Johnson and Captain Gladding?
What factor contributed to Secretary Chafee's decision to dismiss actions against Rear Admiral Johnson and Captain Gladding?
What is the current status of the USS Pueblo?
What is the current status of the USS Pueblo?
Based on the information provided, which book offered a fair and insightful perspective on the USS Pueblo incident shortly after it occurred?
Based on the information provided, which book offered a fair and insightful perspective on the USS Pueblo incident shortly after it occurred?
How did Admiral Hyland's recommendations affect the perception of Commander Bucher's culpability?
How did Admiral Hyland's recommendations affect the perception of Commander Bucher's culpability?
What aspect of Commander Bucher's personal history resonated with the American public during the controversy surrounding the USS Pueblo incident?
What aspect of Commander Bucher's personal history resonated with the American public during the controversy surrounding the USS Pueblo incident?
Flashcards
USS Pueblo (AGER-2)
USS Pueblo (AGER-2)
Intelligence-collection ship commanded by Commander Lloyd M. “Pete” Bucher.
Lloyd M. “Pete” Bucher
Lloyd M. “Pete” Bucher
The commander of the USS Pueblo during its seizure.
Date of Seizure
Date of Seizure
January 23, 1968, the date when the USS Pueblo was seized.
North Korean Forces
North Korean Forces
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Territorial Waters Dispute
Territorial Waters Dispute
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North Korean Objective
North Korean Objective
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Damage to USS Pueblo
Damage to USS Pueblo
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Bucher's Command Decision
Bucher's Command Decision
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Pueblo's Armament
Pueblo's Armament
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Machine Gun Readiness Time
Machine Gun Readiness Time
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Other Weapons on Pueblo
Other Weapons on Pueblo
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Bucher's Decision on Resistance
Bucher's Decision on Resistance
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Pueblo's Expected Defense
Pueblo's Expected Defense
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Intelligence Mission Harassment
Intelligence Mission Harassment
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Intent of Intelligence Collection Ships
Intent of Intelligence Collection Ships
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COMNAVFORJAPAN's Guidance
COMNAVFORJAPAN's Guidance
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Pueblo Mission Planning Flaw
Pueblo Mission Planning Flaw
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Pueblo's Threat Assessment
Pueblo's Threat Assessment
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Lack of Reaction Plan
Lack of Reaction Plan
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Navy Resource Allocation
Navy Resource Allocation
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Intelligence Focus
Intelligence Focus
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Cheap Conversion
Cheap Conversion
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Material Deficiencies
Material Deficiencies
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Inefficient Destruction
Inefficient Destruction
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Who was Commander Bucher?
Who was Commander Bucher?
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What intelligence was Bucher unaware of?
What intelligence was Bucher unaware of?
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What was North Korea's view of the waters?
What was North Korea's view of the waters?
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What happened at the Blue House?
What happened at the Blue House?
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How was communication maintained?
How was communication maintained?
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Why was there no air support?
Why was there no air support?
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What was the technical state of war?
What was the technical state of war?
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What is the 'Code of Conduct'?
What is the 'Code of Conduct'?
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USS Pueblo Confessions
USS Pueblo Confessions
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POW Medal Controversy (Pueblo)
POW Medal Controversy (Pueblo)
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Hostile Intent/Action
Hostile Intent/Action
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Bucher's 'All Stop' Order
Bucher's 'All Stop' Order
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Why Not Scuttle?
Why Not Scuttle?
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Forcible Resistance?
Forcible Resistance?
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No Surrender
No Surrender
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Bucher's Leadership
Bucher's Leadership
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Vietnam War Disillusionment
Vietnam War Disillusionment
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Scapegoat Perception
Scapegoat Perception
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John Chafee's Decision
John Chafee's Decision
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Shared Responsibility
Shared Responsibility
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USS Pueblo Today
USS Pueblo Today
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A Matter of Accountability
A Matter of Accountability
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Admiral Hyland's Recommendation
Admiral Hyland's Recommendation
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Chafee's Diffusal
Chafee's Diffusal
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Study Notes
The Seizure of USS Pueblo (AGER-2)
- On January 23, 1968, Commander Lloyd M. "Pete" Bucher faced a critical command decision regarding the intelligence-collection ship USS Pueblo.
- The decision would later become one of the most debated in U.S. Navy history.
Encounter and Initial Actions
- The USS Pueblo was surrounded just outside North Korean territorial waters by North Korean vessels.
- Vessels included four P-4 motor torpedo boats, two modified S.O.1 submarine chasers, and two Mig-21 fighters.
- The North Korean vessels were armed with torpedoes, machine guns, and anti-submarine weapons.
- Initially, Bucher attempted to maneuver and avoid being boarded, ignoring North Korean demands to heave to, as the number of North Korean vessels increased.
- The first boarding attempt was thwarted, but the ship could not outrun the North Korean units.
Engagement and Damage
- North Korean forces fired on the Pueblo from close range, using 57-mm gunfire and machine-gun fire.
- The firing damaged radar and radio masts.
- Ten of the 83-man crew were wounded, one mortally, and Commander Bucher was wounded in the leg.
- Pueblo was armed with two .50-caliber machine guns in exposed positions, but the crew had limited training on these weapons.
- The weapons were difficult to access and use effectively due to ice, tarps, and potential North Korean fire.
- Bucher assessed that armed resistance was futile due to the overwhelming North Korean firepower.
Decision to Surrender
- The U.S. chain of command did not expect the Pueblo to need to defend itself.
- The ship's defense was believed to rest on International Law and naval tradition.
- No U.S. naval vessel had been forcibly boarded in peacetime since 1807.
- Harassment of vessels conducting intelligence collection was common, but there were unstated limits.
- The sister ship USS Banner (AGER-1) had its machine guns stowed during previous missions.
- The intention was to avoid provocation.
Miscalculations and Lack of Preparedness
- Assumptions were made that rules for missions along the Soviet coast applied to North Korea.
- Official assessments indicated a "low" threat level and a "routine" mission for the Pueblo.
- There was no realistic reaction plan in case of trouble.
- Using warships for intelligence missions was considered a "waste" at the time due to commitments in Vietnam and worldwide.
- Larger intelligence ships were seen as focused on national-level, not naval intelligence.
- A plan was made to convert small WWII transport ships into intelligence ships on a low budget.
Material Deficiencies
- Pueblo had material deficiencies that Bucher attempted to address before the mission, but repairs were denied due to a lack of funding.
- The ship's engines were unreliable, and the ship was top-heavy.
- Heavy seas and icing conditions affected the crew, and limited training.
- The ship lacked an efficient means to scuttle itself and destroy classified material quickly.
- Bucher used MWR funds to install an incinerator, but it was inadequate for bulk publications.
- The ship had too much classified material onboard that it was unable to offload, and throwing items overboard drew fire.
- Emergency-destruction watch bill was designed to be executed during General Quarters, but Bucher delayed due to a concern about provoking the North Koreans.
- Bucher did not know what was in the research space because he lacked a "need-to-know."
Intelligence and Awareness
- Bucher was unaware of intelligence reports indicating heightened North Korean military activity and concerns about provocative activity in their waters.
- The North Koreans claimed waters beyond what was internationally recognized.
- Bucher was also unaware that two days before the incident, a North Korean force attempted to assassinate the South Korean president.
- Intelligence summaries addressed to Pueblo did not specifically warn the ship.
- There were communication problems during the incident, but secure communications were maintained via teletype.
- The USS Enterprise was too far away, and its alert aircraft were not configured for anti-surface action.
Aftermath and Controversy
- The legality of the North Koreans' actions was debated, but they demonstrated hostile intent.
- Bucher resisted through maneuver but was forced to stop.
- Scuttling the ship or forcibly resisting were considered, but deemed too risky.
- Bucher ordered line handlers to accept the line from the North Korean vessel with the boarding party.
- Bucher did not surrender the ship, but the North Koreans hauled down the colors.
- Bucher and the crew were mistreated during the initial boarding.
- A Navy court of inquiry recommended Bucher face a general court-martial.
Charges Against Bucher
- Permitting the ship to be seized while having the power to resist.
- Failing to take immediate and aggressive protective measures.
- Complying with North Korean orders to follow into port.
- Failing to complete destruction of classified material.
- Permitting material to fall into the hands of the North Koreans.
- Failing to ensure proper organization, stationing, and training for emergency destruction.
Recommendations and Public Reaction
- The court noted that Bucher upheld morale and provided leadership during internment.
- Trials were also recommended for Lieutenant Steve Harris and the executive officer.
- A letter of reprimand was recommended for Rear Admiral Frank Johnson and Captain Gladding.
- Public opinion was strongly favorable to Bucher's decision not to sacrifice his crew.
Resolution
- The Secretary of the Navy, John H. Chafee, decided against disciplinary action for any of the crew.
- The decision was based on the torture and deprivation they suffered at the hands of the North Koreans.
- Chafee also dismissed the actions against Rear Admiral Johnson and Captain Gladding.
USS Pueblo Today
- USS Pueblo remains the second-oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy.
- It is a museum and tourist attraction on the river in Pyongyang, North Korea.
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Description
Explore the key events surrounding the seizure of the USS Pueblo (AGER-2) by North Korean forces. Review the mission, Commander Bucher's decisions, and the firepower involved. Understand the reasons behind the surrender.
