The Role of Naval Aviation During the Cuban Missile Crisis

August 14, 2021 10:04am

In 1962, the world came closer to nuclear war than at any time before or since. You know what U.S. Air Force U-2 spy planes did during the Cuban Missile Crisis. You know what U.S. Navy ships did But do you know that naval aviation played an important role also?

On today's Mike Bates Show, I interviewed Ken Jack about his book "Blue Moon Over Cuba: Aerial Reconnaissance During the Cuban Missile Crisis." Ken served in the Navy's Photo Reconnaissance Squadron 62 (VFP-62) that flew RF-8 Crusaders over Cuba to photograph the Soviet missile sites, so his information is based upon first-hand knowledge. The book is also based on the memoirs of Captain William B. Ecker, the commanding officer of the squadron.

Today's episode of the radio program is now available online as a podcast at www.TheMikeBatesShow.com/podcasts/210814