Spy Ships and Submarines

If you're looking for a high-profile career and public plaudits, then don't captain a spy ship or submarine. This naval form of espionage has become known as the silent arm of the Secret Service, its role significant in many of the major conflicts of the 20th century. During World War II, warships of many navies carried high-frequency direction-finding equipment and electronic intelligence-collection equipment.

Often operating on the edge of legitimacy, such vessels have frequently sparked international disputes. One embarrassing case occurred in 1968 when the USS Pueblo was caught snooping off the North Korean coast and taken into captivity. The ship's captain, Commander Pete Bucher, led his crew through 11 months of spirited resistance to their captors - so what caused him to be recommended for a court martial?