SIGINT Collection Ships Part 7 of 8 – CLICK BETTLE Phase II Operations – Continuous Coverage

CLICK BEETLE Phase II was initiated by Commander Task Force 96 (COMNAVFORJAP) Operation Order (OPORDER) 301-68 of January 3, 1968.
Phase I had successfully tested the operational feasibility and political implications of using one small trawler-type ship as a naval surveillance and intelligence collection unit. Phase II expanded the program to use two ships (USS Banner and USS Pueblo) to provide continuous coverage of a selected area of operations. The program’s objectives also included testing Soviet reaction to the continuous presence of a U.S. intelligence collection ship in Soviet naval operating areas. It was expected that the experience gained from Phase II, and the procedures and equipment developed therefrom, would lead to the implementation of Phase III – the employment of more AGERs.