History ~ Cuban Missile Crisis Timeline

Monday, October 15: A U-2 reconnaissance aircraft reveals several **-4 nuclear missiles in Cuba.

Tuesday, October 16: Crisis begins: President Kennedy convenes his Executive Committee to consider America's options.

Wednesday, October 17: An **-5 IRBM site, the first of three to be identified, is detected in Cuba.

Thursday, October 18: President Kennedy meets with Soviet Foreign Minister Andrie Gromyko and advises him that America will not tolerate Soviet missiles in Cuba. Gromyko denies the presence of any Soviet weaponry in Cuba. Operation Dominic - CHAMA: Airdrop nuclear test over Johnston Island area. 1.59 Megaton yield Hydrogen bomb test.

Friday, October 19: President Kennedy meets with the Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara, and the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They discuss military options.

Saturday, October 20: President Kennedy returns to Washington to discuss the discovery of additional Soviet missiles in Cuba. Operation Dominic - CHECKMATE: High Altitude nuclear missile test over Johnston Island Area. Low Kiloton yield.

Sunday, October 21: President Kennedy decides on a naval blockade of Cuba.

Monday, October 22: President Kennedy addresses the American public and announces his plan to implement a naval blockade of Cuba. U.S. military alert is set at DEFCON 3 and Castro mobilizes all of Cuba's military forces.High Altitude Russian Nuclear Test at Kapustin Yar Hydrogen Bomb on Rocket. Yield Approx. 300 Kilotons

Tuesday, October 23: The OAS (Organization of American States) supports the decision to quarantine Cuba. Reconnaissance photos reveal that Soviet missiles are ready for launch. McNamara, Kennedy review and discuss options of confrontation. Discussion of diplomatic efforts at the UN and the vote by the Organization of American States.

Wednesday, October 24: Soviet ships reach the quarantine line, but receive radio orders from Moscow to hold their positions. Consideration of civil defense options and planning…