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Army Moves Anti-Aircraft Missiles Into Key West

Oct. 26, 1962 - The Army moved anti-aircraft missiles today into Key West, Fla., located just 90 miles north of Havana. Military authorities would not discuss any military operations or installations. They were operating under the tightest security regulations since World War II. Almost overnight, the complexion of this traditional Navy town changed from sailors’ white to soldiers’ olive drab. Army men in fatigue uniforms took over the city’s largest hotel, the only public beach, the baseball park, and other civilian areas. The Army leased the 167-room Casa Marina Hotel yesterday and by dawn today, it was filled with troops with armed guards stationed at all entrances. It was reported that Army units had also established radar and antiaircraft positions in the chain of islands leading to the mainland east and north of Key West.

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