Let's Learn about the Cold War: Part 13 - The Bay of Pigs Published Sept. 3, 2015 By Senior Airman Sean D. Smith Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- In the late 1950s, the Cuban Revolution resulted in a communist government with Fidel Castro in charge. In light of the Cold War, Castro's friendly relationship with the Soviet Union made the United States uncomfortable because of Cuba's close proximity to America. Castro's new government was unpopular, and relations between Cuba and the United States deteriorated quickly. As tensions mounted, the United States sanctioned Cuba with an economic blockade, and ultimately tried to remove Castro and overthrow his communist government. Resistance to the government already existed in Cuba, with support from the United States and other sources -- but the new revolution wasn't working. It would take a more powerful push to unseat Castro. The United States couldn't invade Cuba directly; instead it provided funds and support to the enemies of the enemy. The Central Intelligence Agency was behind the plan, and in 1960 the proposed invasion received approval from President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the National Security Council. The budget for the operation was $13 million. Adjusted for inflation, today that would be more than $100 million. The CIA used the money to recruit and train anti-Cuban exiles from the United States, forming a unit that would go on to be known as Brigade 2506. This unit was to invade Cuba to topple Castro and institute a government more friendly to Western sensibilities. Brigade 2506 consisted of more than 1,400 paramilitary personnel, supplied with equipment from the CIA and the United States military, including B-26 bombers. It was an elaborate operation that included diversionary air strikes and military deceptions prior to the actual assault. In April 1961, Brigade 2506 landed at Playa Giron in the Bay of Pigs and began its offensive. For a variety of reasons including Soviet espionage and poor security practices, Cuba was aware of the impending attack well in advance. While the invading force initially defeated Cuban resistance, the Cuban military struck back, and over the course of three days the attempted invasion was shut down. There were relatively few casualties, but many members of Brigade 2506 were imprisoned. The Bay of Pigs invasion was a failure, and it worsened the already poor relationship between the United States and Cuba. Shortly before, John F. Kennedy took office in the White House, and the invasion's disastrous outcome was an embarrassment for his administration. Fidel Castro's ties to the USSR became stronger as a result, and it all came to a head in 1962. Next time: The Cuban Missile Crisis