The Calm Before the Storm

At first, we didn’t fully grasp what was happening. An American plane silently approached our ship, suddenly activating its engines and spotlight. In the middle of a tense tropical night, with the world on edge due to a military-political standoff, an enemy aircraft hovered above us. Fear was understandable. After an hour and a half, the plane left, and we tried to rest.

A Troubling Morning

The next day, September 20, began with unexpected developments. Looking out of the porthole, I saw land and felt relief, believing we had reached our destination. However, I soon noticed a small vessel nearby with its guns aimed at our ship. Alarmed, I joined the officers on the captain’s bridge, where everyone was on edge. Surrounding our Physicist Vavilov were 13 American warships.

The Americans demanded our “port of registry” and “destination port.” Our captain provided the information, but their “suggestion” to change course—claiming they were conducting firing exercises—was denied by Moscow. Despite their efforts to reroute us to Guantanamo Bay, we pressed forward, holding our course at 18 knots. At one point, a smaller U.S. vessel directly obstructed our path. But with our ship’s 30,000-ton displacement, any collision would have crushed them. Eventually, the Americans backed off, escorting us briefly before retreating with a “safe journey” wish.

Entering Santiago Bay

By midday, we approached the port of Santiago and anchored, awaiting permission to dock. The bay was surrounded by mountainous ranges, and the entrance was narrow and scenic. On one side stood the imposing Morro Fortress, a centuries-old stone structure rising 150 meters above the water.

As we entered the bay, I was captivated by the lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and charming homes along the coast—a true tropical paradise. Our ship docked, and unloading began using onboard cranes, as the port lacked its own equipment.

Hard Work and Setting Up Camp

Our regiment’s headquarters were located northwest of Santiago. The site, previously a cattle yard, had been meticulously cleaned. Makeshift shelters with palm-leaf roofs were set up for soldiers, while the officers utilized a villa on a nearby hill for command operations.

Despite the harsh tropical conditions, our personnel worked tirelessly, unloading equipment and establishing combat readiness within record time. Their dedication was unwavering, exemplifying the discipline and resolve of our forces.

My Role as a Political Officer

Upon arriving at the headquarters, I met Major Gevorkyan, the head of the political department, along with other colleagues. As the political officer, my duties centered on Marxist-Leninist training and political education for all personnel. Classes for officers were aligned with university-level curricula, while soldiers and sergeants received instruction twice a week.

Organizing these sessions in Cuba posed unique challenges. Supplies like books, notebooks, and proper facilities were scarce. Yet, with ingenuity and determination, I established a framework for ideological education.

A Moment of Validation

About a month into my role, two senior officers from the political administration visited unexpectedly. During their inspection, I mentioned a seminar I had planned. Colonel Plaksin, one of the visiting officers, insisted on attending.

With little time to prepare, I worked until 3 a.m. on my presentation, titled The CPSU: The Leading and Guiding Force of Society. The next morning, the seminar began with full attendance. Speaking for over an hour, I delivered a detailed and passionate lecture. To my relief, Plaksin praised my work, suggesting even more time be allocated for similar sessions. This recognition, so early in my tenure, was a significant milestone.

Rising Tensions

By October, the military-political situation around Cuba had escalated dramatically. Our regiment’s divisions were strategically positioned across the eastern province, with some near the American naval base at Guantanamo. The region was swarming with U.S. military ships, and surveillance flights over Cuba were constant.

On October 19, I was stationed in Bayamo when news broke of counter-revolutionaries landing nearby. We swiftly organized defenses and brought our equipment to combat readiness. That night, the tension was palpable as we patrolled the area, navigating the dangers of darkness and unfamiliar terrain.

The Cuban Missile Crisis

Shortly after, the situation reached its peak. Photographs of Soviet missiles in Cuba were presented to U.S. President Kennedy, confirming American suspicions. A naval blockade was announced, with all ships heading to Cuba subject to inspection.

The world teetered on the brink of nuclear war. Our regiment, with limited resources and personnel, stood against an overwhelming American force. Despite the odds, we maintained our resolve, understanding the gravity of our mission and the potential consequences of failure.

A Reflection

Even in these dire circumstances, morale was kept high through resilience and unity. We shared news from Moscow, recorded on tape for clarity, and conveyed the latest updates to the troops. This routine brought a sense of normalcy and purpose amidst the chaos.

Looking back, I remain proud of the dedication and resourcefulness shown by everyone during this critical period. It was a testament to the strength and determination of our forces, facing immense challenges with unwavering resolve.