What significant event involving the S.S. Mayaguez occurred in May 1975?

In May 1975, the significant event involving the S.S. Mayaguez was its seizure by Khmer Rouge forces. The incident occurred shortly after the fall of Cambodia to the Khmer Rouge, which aligned with the larger context of the Vietnam War and its aftermath. The ship was a U.S.-flagged merchant vessel that was taken while sailing in international waters near the Cambodian coast.

This event is notable because it led to a military response from the United States, as President Gerald Ford ordered U.S. forces to rescue the crew, which had been taken captive. The operation to recover the S.S. Mayaguez highlighted the tensions in Southeast Asia during this period and marked a significant moment in U.S. military history, as it was one of the last military operations conducted during the Vietnam War era. The decision to act was driven by the principle of maintaining U.S. credibility and the safety of American nationals abroad.