Hawker Sea Fury in Cuban Service
Acquisition and Delivery
In 1958, the Fuerza Aérea del Ejercito de Cuba (FAEC) purchased a total of 17 refurbished Sea Furies from Hawker Aircraft. The aircraft were all ex-Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm (FAA) aircraft and comprised 15 FB.11 fighter-bombers and two T.20 trainers. Deliveries began in 1958 and were completed by 1959.
Operational History
The Sea Furies were used by the FAEC during the Cuban Revolution, seeing action against the rebel forces led by Fidel Castro. During the April 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion, Fuerza Aerea Rebelde (FAR) Sea Furies were active against air ground and sea targets.
Retirement
The Sea Furies were retired from service in 1962 due to a lack of spare parts and maintenance personnel.
