Justice Is Due

Justice Is Due

In June 1967, the USS Liberty was brutally attacked without provocation in international waters during the Six Day War between Israel and the Arab states of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Although the attack happened 37 years ago, it remains the only maritime incident in United States history that has not been publicly investigated simply because the attack has been cited as an accident. The truth behind this attack must be brought to light while the survivors and other key participants are still alive to aid in the investigation. Until Israel acknowledges their intent in the attack, the surviving crew and the family members of the decreased will not be able to have closure on this horrifying incident.

A very dear friend of mine was a member of the 289-person crew onboard the USS Liberty. His name is Americo (Rick) Aimetti and he is a survivor of the attack. At the time of the attack, Rick was a Petty Officer 3rd class with duties during the attack of Damage Control. Rick is currently an Officer in the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary and the United States Naval Sea Cadets. Displayed on his uniform are numerous medals and ribbons recognizing him for his many accomplishments over the years. Three of these are specifically related to the attack on the Liberty, which includes the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

The USS Liberty (AGTR-5) was converted from a World War II victory ship into a technical research ship in 1963 to provide communication and electronic intelligence. AGTR is defined as Auxiliary Geodetic Technical Research, more commonly referred to as a "spy ship." Onboard equipment such as sensitive radio receivers and recording equipment were used to listen to radio communications on land. Officially neutral in this war, the United States Navy directed the Liberty into uncontested international waters just off the Sinai Peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea. Orders were given to hone in on communications in the area and report to the National Security Agency (NSA).

Danger actually began for the Liberty on June 7, when the ship was noted on Israeli radar prompting reconnaissance missions to begin in order to uncover the ship's identity. The USS Liberty was clearly marked as a US intelligence ship with "USS Liberty" clearly labeled on the stern and "GTR-5" on the bow. Additionally, the ship proudly displayed a five-foot by eight-foot American flag.

Early morning on June 8, 1967, Israeli reconnaissance planes began flying around, some so low the crew could see the pilot's faces. Later that day around 2:00 p.m., Israeli aircraft and torpedo boats attacked the USS Liberty, killing 34 Americans, wounding 172 others, and inflicting 821 rocket and machine-gun holes. The ship was not prepared for battle, equipped with only four 50-caliber machine guns. Leaving the crew virtually defenseless against the two-hour attack by Israel.

The Liberty was able to get a message out radioing for help. Two aircraft carriers, the Saratoga and America were in the Mediterranean and were available to provide air support within ten minutes if an emergency arose. The captain of the Saratoga stated that he twice launched aircraft to the aid