◆ SpookStack

American concerns about the Cuban air crews were not misplaced. As Ferrer himself pointed out, even though things seemed to improve through November, once the Cubans had met certain of the tests that had been posed them, a number of the pilots who were dis- content asked to be transferred back to Miami. To Ferrer, this was a difficult time; for among the dozen who, as he said, "renounced the privilege of fighting for their country," were the second in command of the Air Force (Leslie Nobregas), the Chief of the C-54 squadron (0. -Alvarez Builla), and the Chief of the C-46 squadron (Juan Perez) Cuban air group. 34/ key figures among the The loss of these personnel was rather quickly reflected in air operations at JMADD, for a Director cable of 11 December noted "Headquarter's records indicate curtailment flying, training, combat activi- ties. Request clarification and future plans." 35/ MADD was quick to respond to Headquarters questions, Col. Gaines also was requested to report any such problems to Chief/WH/4/CI. According to DPD's Security Section, the penetration agent was a useless boob who was widely known for what he was -- an informant. 33/ - 122 -