The USS Pueblo (AGER-2) was a United States Navy intelligence gathering ship that was captured by the North Korean People's Navy on January 23, 1968. The ship was in international waters off the coast of Wonsan, North Korea when it was approached by numerous North Korean patrol boats. The North Koreans opened fire on the Pueblo, claiming that the ship had infringed upon their territorial waters. Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, the crew attempted to defend the vessel but ultimately had to surrender when the ship was critically damaged and communications were severed. After the seizure, all 83 crew members, including Captain Leroy J. F. Jones, were taken prisoner and subjected to harsh treatment during their captivity.The Pueblo incident sparked a significant international crisis. The U.S. government quickly stated that the Pueblo was operating in international waters and branded North Korea's actions as unlawful aggression. The U.S. Navy responded by sending aircraft and naval vessels to the area, but direct military action was avoided. Diplomatic efforts commenced to secure the release of the crew. Following intense negotiations that included public pleas and statements, the crew was finally released on December 23, 1968, almost a year after their capture, but the ship itself remained in North Korean hands and was later repurposed for propaganda use.The incident had long-lasting implications for U.S.-North Korea relations. It intensified Cold War tensions and highlighted the risks associated with intelligence operations in volatile regions. The USS Pueblo is still in North Korea today and stands as a symbol of the fraught relations between the United States and North Korea. The Pueblo incident also raised significant questions regarding military engagement and the limits of naval operations in contested waters.