In the fall of 1962, there were unconfirmed reports that the Soviets were installing intermediate range nuclear missiles in Cuba. Remotely sensed imagery, mainly from high flying U-2 airplanes, provided incontrovertible proof that the rumors were true. The resulting confrontation between Soviet Premier Khrushchev and US President John F. Kennedy in October 1962 brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.

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Reconnaissance and the Cuban Missile Crisis

Probably at no time in this nation's history has the importance of aerial reconnaissance been demonstrated more dramatically than during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. On Oct. 14, two USAF high flying U-2 reconnaissance aircraft photographed portions of Cuba and interpretation of these photos confirmed that bases were being constructed for intermediate range missiles. President John F. Kennedy placed the U.S. armed forces on alert for whatever action might be necessary as USAF U-2 and RF-101 flights over Cuba continued, the latter aircraft sometimes flying at tree-top level.

On Oct. 22, President Kennedy publicly announced details of the critical situation and declared that,
"...a strict quarantine on all offensive military equipment under shipment to Cuba is being initiated."

Surface-to-air missiles (SAM) launch sites

The oblique photo at the top of this page was President Kennedy's favorite. It was taken on November 10, 1962 from less than 500 ft. at a speed of 713 mph using specially designed camera system called a strip camera. Clearly shown are Soviet surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) in place at launch sites. These defensive missiles protected offensive weapons sites and posed a  serious threat to U.S. reconnaissance aircraft.

Photography acquired by Stereo Strip Cameras when viewed under a stereoscope clearly showed the three dimensional features associated with missile deployment. The pattern of dots surrounding several launch sites are actually camouflage nets which were intended to conceal the equipment positioned beneath them, but which the strip camera rendered ineffective.

Rent "Thirteen Days" the movie for Hollywood's rendition.

More Info
http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/nsa/cuba_mis_cri/photos.htm
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/history/cmc.htm