The document summarizes the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. On October 15th, a U-2 spy plane took photos revealing Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba. President Kennedy was informed the next day. Over the following weeks, the US established a blockade of Cuba and demanded the Soviets remove the missiles. Tensions escalated to DEFCON 2, the highest alert level. On October 28th, the Soviets announced they would dismantle the missiles, ending the crisis and averting nuclear war. Improved communication between the US and Soviet Union was established to prevent future crises.