I am reading a book entitled "October Fury" by CAPT Peter A. Huchthausen,
USN (Ret.). In October, 1962 he was a JO stationed aboard USS BLANDY
(DD-943), part of Task Group Alpha built around USS RANDOLPH (CVS-15). He
participated, up close and personal, in the Cuban Missle Crisis. He later
went on to be an analyst and specialist in Soviet naval issues.

While CAPT H. is a skimmer, he gives a good account, so far, of the actions
of NAVAIR units (mostly P2, P3, and Hunter-Killer Group assests) during the
Crisis.

Particularly interesting is his interviewing of many former Soviet naval
officers and men who manned diesel boats deployed in support of Soviet
operations. He gives a graphic illustration of life on a Soviet sub. They
really did fear our airborne ASW forces (particularly the P3, due to its
long range and high endurance).

One of the REALLY scary things that most folks don't know is that the
Soviets deployed in excess of 100 tactical nukes to Cuba and the Soviet
commander had authority to use them to oppose any U.S. landing operations
WITHOUT the specific authority of Moscow. Soviet submarines deployed with
nuclear tipped torpedos also had authority to use them if specific tactical
conditions were met.

I'm about 1/3 through, but even at this early juncture I would commend it to
anyone with an interest in naval operations (air and surface) during that
period. When I finish I will report further! ;-)

Bill Kambic

Mangalarga Marchador: Uma raça, uma paixão