 With only a couple of brief "R&R" stops for replenishment of food and arms, this was the longest stay in the combat zone.Because of this the crew were granted R&R in Australia and were steaming south for several days ( 20–23 January).When the was captured by North Korean forces on 23 January 1968, "James E. Kyes" was ordered to head to the Sea of Japan to assist other ships of the 7th Fleet with taking back the "Pueblo" as part of Operation Formation Star.