The Central Intelligence Agency and Overhead Reconnaissance; The U-2 and OXCART Programs, 1954-1974

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Sec,et NOfORN
Chapter 5
other means. Although by late 1962 photographic satellites had be­
come an integral part of the overhead collection program, only U-2s
could provide the highly detailed photography that photointerpreters
needed to spot the early stages of work on missile sites. Attempts had
been made to photograph Cuba with satellites, but to no avail because
the satellites' normal orbits placed them over Cuba at the wrong time
of day, after clouds had formed.
U-2s Over South America
Agency U-2s again conducted operations in the Western Hemisphere
in December 1963. The Directorate of Plans had requested photo­
graphic coverage of Venezuela and neighboring British Guianm be­
cause of guerrilla acti vities conducted by a pro-Castro movement
inside Venezuela. Supplies for this movement appeared to be coming
across the border from British Guiana. On 30 November 1963, the
NSC Special Group approved overflights of the British Guiana­
Venezuela border to determine the scope and rate of buildup of guer­
rilla forces. The Special Group stipulated that the entire effort w:as to
be conducted without the knowledge of either the British or the
Venezuelans.
Within three days, several Detachment G aircraft and pilots de­
ployed to Ramey AFB. Puerto Rico, from which they made: six
flights over the border areas between 3 and I 9 December 1963 in an
operation known as SEAFOAM. The results of the effort were in­
conclusive, and the task force returned to Edwards AFB on 22
December.z,
U-2 OPERATIONS IN ASIA
Detachment C and the Indonesian Revolt of 1958
U-2 operations in Asia began even before the end of overflights of the
Soviet Bloc. By 1958 the Eisenhower administration, although very
reluctant to approve U-2 flights over or near Soviet and East
European borders, was not averse to using the spyplanes in the Third
World, where radar detection was unlikely. Thus. in the spring of
1958, Agency U-2s from Detachment C conducted a major reconnais­
sance effort over Indonesia. Operation ROBIN HOOD.
'' OSA History. chap. 16. pp. 35-36 (TS Codeword).
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