Station HYPO

JOB TITLE/DESCRIPTION: Training Department Head, Mr. Murphy serves as the Training Department Head and designated as the Training and Readiness Officer managing overall training and readiness programs, requirements, metrics and courses for Navy Information Operations Command Pensacola.

On January 23, 1968, the Navy’s U.S.S. Pueblo was coasting in international waters off the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The boat had been sent by Rear Admiral Frank L. Johnson and its mission, approved by then-President Johnson’s National Security Council, was to intercept communications from communist North Korea. As part of Cold War reconnaissance, the Navy and the National Security Agency wanted an update on North Korea’s military, and the U.S.S. Pueblo—a specialized spy ship packed with advanced sensors and sensitive encryption devices—was the tool for the job.

After the Attack

Miraculously, the Liberty refused to sink and was able to get underway on her own power. The crew worked tirelessly through the night to care for the wounded and secure the ship for its voyage to Malta. Despite the USS Saratoga and USS America being only 15 air minutes from Liberty, help did not arrive until 18 hours after the attack.

The Helicopter Assault

When the torpedo boats finally left the scene, helicopters were observed overhead with Israeli commandos at the ready. Despite his impaired hearing, Phil Tourney could hear the unmistakable “whomp whomp” sound of troop-carrying helicopters approaching from the starboard side. When he saw them, he felt they were looming like birds of prey.

The Torpedo Attack

When the jets realized they couldn’t sink Liberty, they called off the attack and left. Before the crew could breathe a sigh of relief, Captain McGonagle came over the intercom, ordering the crew to prepare for a torpedo hit, starboard side.

On June 8, 1967, the USS Liberty was attacked without warning, resulting in the deaths of 34 American sailors and the wounding of 174 others. The scale of the loss was staggering—nearly seven out of every ten crew members were killed or injured—marking the highest casualty rate ever suffered by a U.S. Navy vessel. In solemn remembrance of this tragedy and the men who endured it, Station HYPO begins a five-part series today to honor their sacrifice and ensure their story is never forgotten.