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Photograph of Aerial Photograph of MRBM Field Launch Site
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston MA
Photograph of Aerial Photograph of MRBM Field Launch Site
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston MA

Photograph of Aerial Photograph of MRBM Field Launch Site

Artifact IDMO 63.451
Object Type Photograph
Date October 14, 1962
Maker (Navy Squadron for Photographic Intelligence)
Medium photograph
DimensionsOverall H 21 1/2 in x W 25 1/2 in (54.6 cm x 64.8 cm )

Physical DescriptionBlack and white enlarged photograph of MRBM field launch site, San Cristobal, Cuba, taken on 14 October 1962. This enlargement was prepared from the original negative and provided the first photographic evidence of Soviet offensive missile deployment in Cuba.
Historical NoteThis is one of 928 images taken during an aerial photographic reconnaissance mission flown over Cuba on Sunday, October 14, 1962. On October 15, analysts at the National Photographic Interpretation Center concluded that the photographs showed evidence of Soviet missile site construction in Cuba and conveyed their findings to McGeorge Bundy, the President's National Security Advisor.

Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem is owned by the government as official documentation collected during the Kennedy Administration.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteThis material is not subject to any known copyright or other image use restrictions.
Not on view