Next Document 186. Washington, November 16, 1962. We are not only ready to take any action you may order in Cuba, we are also in an excellent condition world-wide to counter any Soviet military response to such action. Special defensive measures have been taken to protect the Southeast, with particular attention to Florida.
All naval units are in a high state of readiness.
For the total shipping requirements of the augmented Plan, chartering, requisitioning, and prepositioning of 60 cargo ships must be accomplished well in advance of execution of the Plan. The current status of alert can be maintained for about 30 more days without adverse effect. The Joint Chiefs of Staff recommend staying in the present posture for the immediate future. The plan entailed the use of 500 tactical fighter aircraft and carrier aircraft in a series of strikes against Cuban offensive weapons. Initial strikes would eliminate SAM sites and associated conventional AA defenses.