USS Liberty: What really happened and why?

[AndJusticeForAll]

I know this topic is not new and it's been debated all over the Internet and on Military.com in particular but to be perfectly honest, I didn't really pay much attention to these debates in the past because I didn't really know much more than some basic facts about it and the debates got very intense, very long, and very personal it seemed.

Well, I just watched an incredible History Channel documentary about it, and all I can say is: OMG!! It sure seems like those guys on the Liberty got a raw deal from everyone, including the Navy and the US Government. Not to mention from the Isrealis who shot them all to hell and then said it was a mistake. They continue to say it was a mistake. Was it?

So, what I'm asking for is a good debate on the subject from people who know things about it, have strong opinions, and are not afraid to ask and also answer some very difficult questions. For me, it will hopefully be a lerning experience, and I can gain some better insight as to what really happened, why it happened, and what all the continued controversy is really all about.

So...

What really happened?

Why did it happen?

What are the general points of controversy and disagreement?

Did the Israelis know they were attacking a US vessel?

What is "known" and believed by credible sources?

Are the men aboard the ship to be taken at their word?

Was there a cover-up? Why?

There is so much on the Internet about it but according to History Channel, this is a reputable website set up by the men aboard the USS Liberty the day she came under attack...

http://www.ussliberty.org/

[Bunker]

I really can't imagine the Navy giving anyone a "raw deal". The Navy is always pure. It actually glistens if you watch it closely...

[AndJusticeForAll]

As a Navy man Bunker, I'm sure you must have some strong opinions and beliefs regarding the attack on the USS Liberty. Maybe you could share them with me because I only "know" what I saw on that documentary and what I've read online.

[Bunker]

To be honest with you, this is after my "period" as far as studying and research goes, BUT... My wife and I did meet an older guy at a restaurant/bar in a town near us, and he said he was on the Liberty after it "got out" that I was a war hero (lol). At the time, I didn't know anything about it, but, then again, I asked him what he knew about my ship, and he didn't have a clue.... So, he gave me a link to a website (UssLiberty.org??)... I guess Israel fired some explosive stuff at this ship... Casualties, etc.. The question is whether it was an accident, or a "hint"...

[Bunker]

In other words, Westbrook - I don't know, and I'm not surprised by why I don't know, because... I know a lot of stuff that other people don't know, and I'm not tellllllliiin'.

[efin98]

Originally Posted by AndJusticeForAll

So...

What really happened?

I think it was a bad foul up on both sides, no one party is to fully blame for the incident

Why did it happen?

Miscommunication between the Navy and the USS Liberty and a misidentification by the Israeli Air Force. The Liberty did not receive the warning to move out to 100 miles off shore away from the 13 or so miles they were at before. Also the Israelis could not make out the flag the ship was sailing and could not make a definitive difference between the ship and an enemy freighter that was in the region.

What are the general points of controversy and disagreement?

Some believe there is a cover up going on because both nations refuse to reinvestigate the incident also the surivors still want to know why a friendly nation would attack a US ship. It's a sticky issue on both sides with it going down to personal beliefs on both sides.

Did the Israelis know they were attacking a US vessel?

I think the final conclusion and it's supported by most who investigate similar instances was that they did not know it was a US ship and believe they were attacking an enemy ship with similar features. Seems to be a friendly fire situation at it's worst.

What is "known" and believed by credible sources?

Depending on who you ask and their personal biasses there is not much known outside of a few basic facts like what happened and who was involved and the final damage tally.

Are the men aboard the ship to be taken at their word?

I believe that they might be split on things but once you get past their personal biasses their words are pretty much the truth

Was there a cover-up? Why?

I believe there was some covering up and some "CYA" on both sides, there always is when something terrible happens. For the betterment of the alliance seems to be the reasoning outside of the initial "CYA" that some did.

There is so much on the Internet about it but according to History Channel, this is a reputable website set up by the men aboard the USS Liberty the day she came under attack...

http://www.ussliberty.org/

I saw the show on the History Channel and it was slanted towards the survivor's side. The website is obviously biassed, but it does point out a few things(even points out some ****ing evidence to support the Israeli claims). A final determination is probably up to the person who annalyses the facts and uncovers some middle ground between the two extremes, basically "believe what you want to believe" situation if there ever was one.

[JohnRN]

Good post efin I personally believe that it was a tragic error, like the USS Vincennes incident. Here's a thread for you AJFA:

USS Liberty crap again!

That's quite a hot little thread in itself. And it's full of good information and also contains some rather interesting links. Puruse at your leisure