<p>Of lesser but still significant importance was a force of Ilyushin Il-28 light jet bombers, which had enough range to attack targets in the southeastern United States with tactical nuclear weapons.
</p>
<p>President Kennedy spoke on 22 October, describing the Cuban situation and detailing the measures against the threat: a quarantine of the island, increased surveillance, and a readiness to retaliate. He announced that US dependants were being evacuated from the base at Guantanamo Bay. He asked the Organization of American States and the United Nations Security Council to meet and discuss the problem.
</p>
<p>The next day, low-level reconnaissance flights began, shared by the USAF McDonnell RF-101Cs from the 363rd TRW and Navy Vought RF-8s from Light Photographic Squadron 62. Leaving Florida, they dropped down close to the level of the Gulf waters to stay under the Cuban radar screen, the popped up at the shoreline to roar in just above the treetops, nose cameras cycling. One pilot said he surprised some Russians playing volley ball; he was so low, he insisted, that he almost collided with the ball.
</p>
<p>Every two hours either a Navy or a USAF low-level reconnaissance flight sped across the island, photographing the missile sites. The Russian reaction was concealment and the deployment of anti-aircraft artillery. Pilots reported flak bursts, but none was wounded and essentially no damage was done to the hurtling reconnaissance planes.
</p>
<p>High-altitude coverage continued to bring back evidence of work progress at launch pads and field sites, and also photos of MiG-21 interceptors parked along the runway at Santa Clara airfield and on the ramp at Camilo Cienfuegos. On 24 October, the first evidence of an easing of tensions came when some of the shipping altered course. The impatient Kennedy told the Russians on 25 October that if they continued to emplace the offensive missiles, "... further action will be justified."
