Cuban Missile Crisis

Overview

The Cuban Missile Crisis was one of the highest climactic points of the Cold War. Tension had been building between the Soviet Union, and The United States. In the past years, the USSR had been giving aid to the Cubans, who in turn were prepared to allow the Soviet Union to place nuclear missiles on their island. While the entire crisis lasted much longer, the "Thirteen Days" of October 15-28 was the most intense period of the crisis.

Photography

An Aerial Photograph Taken Over Cuba by a U-2.

At the time, satellite technology was in its infancy. The satellites in orbit were few, as well as incapable of aiding the United States in resolving the conflict. Photography was found to be helpful in determining the range, power, and completion of Soviet missiles. The challenge was being able to run a photographic mission above range of detection, and Surface-to-Air-Missile (SAM) range. Lockheed designer Kelly Johnson led a project to create a light, high altitude aircraft capable of carrying photographic equipment over hostile territory. The final aircraft was known as the U-2, or Utility 2.

New lens designs were needed to function adequately at these altitudes. Dr. James Baker was one of the contributers of lens designs to function at approximately 65,000-80,000 feet. Future enhancements enabled greater quality photos from the U-2s.

Photographic Interpretation

After a U-2 Mission was flown, duplicates were made from the film taken. One set remained at the base for safekeeping, the other was flown to Washington D.C. to be analyzed. The film would then be delivered to an elite team of CIA photo interpreters, who worked primarily in a vacated automotive building, to remain unknown. Using different methods, the CIA was able to keep the Government informed on the type, range, and completion of the missile sites.

Expanse of The Crisis

The United States discovered that the Soviet Union was installing offensive missiles capable of nuclear warheads at air bases in Cuba. The potentially nuclear missiles would soon be able to launch and strike the U.S. within minutes of launch. Washington D.C. was well within their range. President Kennedy demanded that the Soviets remove the missiles. To ensure this would happen, and to insure no further develop of the missile base, he sent had the Navy blockade the island. Secret negotiations ensued. The Russians demanded that U.S. nuclear missiles in Turkey be removed for the removal of missiles in Cuba, but this was rejected. It was understood by both sides that the United States was militarily superior to the Soviet Union.^{[Citation Needed]} Eventually, Nikita Khrushchev, the Soviet premier at the time, backed down to avoid a possible war with the United States and to maintain a relationship with Cuba.

Further reading

• The Cuban Missile Crisis, Ray S. Cline, Foreign Affairs, Fall 1989.
• Thirteen Days - Robert F. Kennedy
• Eyeball To Eyeball - Dino Brugioni