UFO sighting reported by Minot Air Force Station

 

FOIA # 10

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Date Sent: 06-10-1986

  Subject: 1975 MALMSTROM AFB, MT.

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     24th NORAD Region Senior Director's Log (malmstrom AFB, Montana).

  10 NOV 75 (1125Z) - UFO sighting reported by Minot Air Force Station, a

bright star-like object in the west, moving east, about the size of a car.

First seen approximately 1015Z.  Approximately 1120Z, the object passed

over the radar station, 1,000 feet to 2,000 feet high, no noise heard.

Three people from the site or local area saw the object.  NCOC notified.

2.  HQ USAF/DADF also forwarded a copy of a NORAD document for a review

for possible downgrade and release.  We have determined the document is

properly and currently classified and is exempt from disclosure under

public law 90-23, 5 USC 552b(1).

3.  The decision to withhold release of this document may be appealed in

writing to the Secretary of the Air Force within 45 days from the date of

this letter.  If you appeal, include any reasons for reconsideration you

wish to present and attach a copy of this letter.  Address your letter as

follows:  Secretary of the Air Force, thru HQ ADCOM/DAD, Peterson AFB CO

80914.

TERRENCE C. JAMES, COLONEL, USAF

Director of Administration                       CY to:  HQ USAF/DAD

                                                         HQ USAF/JACL

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FOIA # 11

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Date Sent: 06-10-1986

  Subject: 1980 KIRTLAND AFB, NM

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                            COMPLAINT FORM

                          ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

TITLE                                    DATE                      TIME

                                   ---------------               ------

KIRTLAND AFB, NM, 8 Aug - 3 Sep    2 - 9 Sept 80                  1200

80 Alleged Sighting of

Unidentified Aerial Lights in

Restricted Test Range.             PLACE

                                   ---------------------------------------

                                   AFOSI Det 1700, Kirtland AFB, NM

                                   NOW RECEIVED

                                   Yes in person

                                   SOURCE OF EVALUATION

                                   Major Ernest E. Edwards

                                   RESIDENCE OR BUSINESS ADDRESS PHONE

                                   Commander, 1608 SPS, Manzano 4-7516

                                   Kirtland AFB, NM

                                   CR 44 APPLIES

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REMARKS                  SUMMARY OF INFORMATION

  1.  On 2 Sept 80, SOURCE related on 8 Aug 80, three Security Policemen

assigned to 1608 SPS, KAFB, NM, on duty inside the Manzano Weapons Storage

Area sighted an unidentified light in the air that traveled from North to

South over the Coyote Canyon area of the Department of Defense Restricted

Test Range on KAFB, NM.  The Security Policemen identified as:  SSGT

STEPHEN FERENZ, Area Supervisor, ATC MARTIN W. RIST and AMN ANTHONY D.

FRAZIER, were later interviewed separately by SOURCE and all three

related the same statement; at approximately 2350 hrs., while on duty in

Charlie Sector, East Side of Manzano, the three observed a very bright

light in the sky approximately 3 miles North-North East of their position.

The light traveled with great speed and stopped suddenly in the sky over

Coyote Canyon.  The three first thought the object was a helicopter,

however, after observing the strange aerial maneuvers (stop and go), they

felt a helicopter couldn't have performed such skills.  The light landed

in the Coyote Canyon area.  Sometime later, three witnessed the light take

off and leave proceeding straight up at a high speed and disappear.

  2.  Central Security Control (CSC) inside Manzano, contacted Sandia

Security, who conducts frequent building checks on two alarmed structures

in area.  They advised that a patrol was already in the area and would

investigate.

  3.  On 11 Aug 80, RUSS CURTIS, Sandia Security, advised that on 9 Aug

80, a Sandia Security Guard, (who wishes his name not be divulged for fear

of harassment), related the following:  At approximately 0020 hrs., he was

driving east on the Coyote Canyon access road on a routine building check

of an alarmed structure.  As he approached the structure he observed a

bright light near the ground behind the structure.  He also observed an

object he first thought was a helicopter.  But after driving closer, he

observed a round disk shaped object.  He attempted to radio for backup

patrol but his radio would not work.  As he approached the object on foot

armed with a shotgun, the object took off in a vertical direction at a

high rate of speed.  The guard was a former helicopter mechanic in the

U.S. Army and stated the object he observed was not a helicopter.

  4.  SOURCE advised on 22 Aug 80, three other security policemen observed

the same aerial phenomena described by the first three.  Again the object

landed in Coyote Canyon.  They did not see the object take off.

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FOIA # 12

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Date Sent: 06-10-1986

  Subject: 1980 KIRTLAND AFB, NM.

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CONTINUED FROM COMPLAL FORM 1, DTD 9 Sept 80

5.  Coyote Canyon is part of a large restricted test range used by the Air

Force Weapons Laboratory, Sandia Laboratories, Defense Nuclear Agency and

the Department of Energy.  The range was formerly patrolled by Sandia

Security, however, they only conduct building checks there now.

6.  On 10 Aug 80, a New Mexico State Patrolman sighted an aerial object

land in the Manzano's between Belen and Albuquerque, NM.  The Patrolman

reported the sighting to the Kirtland AFB Command Post, who later referred

the patrolman to the AFOSI Dist 17.  AFOSI Dist 17 advised the patrolman

to make a report through his own agency.  On 11 Aug 80, the Kirtland

Public Information office advised the patrolman the USAF no longer

investigates such sighting unless they occur on a USAF base.

7.  WRITER contacted all the agencies who utilized the test range and it

was learned no aerial tests are conducted in the Coyote Canyon area.  Only

ground test are conducted.

8.  On 8 Sept 80, WRITER learned from Sandia Security that another

Security guard observed a object land near an alarmed structure sometime

during the first week of August, but did not report it until just

recently for fear of harassment.

9.  The two alarmed structures located within the area contain HQ CR 44

material.

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DATE FORWARDED HQ AFOSI

  10 Aug 80                                                  AFOSI FORM

----------------------------------------------------

DATE       TYPE OR PRINTED NAME OF SPECIAL AGENT

Sept 80      Richard C Doty, SA

----------------------------------------------------

DISTRICT FILE NO

8017D93-0/29

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FOIA # 13

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Date Sent: 06-10-1986

  Subject: 1980 KIRTLAND AFB, NM

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                             COMPLAINT FORM

                           ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

                                                    DATE            TIME

                                                14 Aug 80          0730

KIRTLAND AFB, NM 13 Aug 80, Possible

Hostile Intelligence Intercept Incident,           PLACE

Frequency Jamming.                              AFOSI District 17, BID,

                                                KIRTLAND AFB, NM

                                                SOURCE AND EVALUATION

                                                1960th Communication

                                                Officer

                                                RESIDENCE OR BUSINESS

                                                ADDRESS

                                                1960 COMMSq KAFB, NM

                                                     PHONE

                                                     4-5098

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REMARKS                    SUMMARY OF INFORMATION

1.  On 13 Aug 80, 1960 COMMSq Maintenance Officer reported Radar Approach

Control equipment and scanner radar inoperative due to high frequency

jamming from an unknown cause.  Total blackout of entire radar approach

system to include Albuquerque Airport was in effect between 1630-2215 hrs.

Radar Approach Control back up system also were inoperative.

2.  On 13 Aug 80, Defense Nuclear Agency Radio Frequency Monitors

determined, by vector analysis, the interference was being sent from an

area (V-90 degrees or due East).  On DAF map coordinates E-28.6.  The area

was located NW of Coyote Canyon Test area.  It was first thought that

Sandia Laboratory, which utilizes the test range was responsible.

However, after a careful check, it was later determined that no test were

being conducted in the canyon area.  Department of Energy, Air Force

Weapons Laboratory and DNA were contacted but assured that their agencies

were not responsible.

3.  On 13 Aug 80, Base Security Police conducted a physical check of the

area but because of the mountainous terrain, a thorough check could not be

completed at that time.  A later foot search failed to disclose anything

that could have caused the interference.

4.  On 13 Aug 80, at 2216 hrs., all radar equipment returned to normal

operation without further incident.

5.  CONCLUSION:  The presence of hostile intelligence jamming cannot be

ruled out.  Although no evidence would suggest this, the method has been

used in the past.  Communication maintenance specialists cannot explain

how such interference could cause the radar equipment to become totally

inoperative.  Neither could they suggest the type or range of the

interference signal.  DNA frequency monitors reporeted the interference

beam was wide spread and a type unknown to their electronical equipment.

Further checks of the area was being conducted by Technical Services,

AFOSI.

6.  High command interest item.  Briefings requested IAW AFOSIR 124-4 be

completed at HQ AFOSI/IVOE.  HQ CR 44 and 51 items.

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FOIA # 14

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Date Sent: 06-10-1986

  Subject: 1980 PROJ. AQUARIUS DOC.

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                                  SECRET

                                                         17 NOV 1980

RTTEZYVW RUFLOJA9136

ZNY S E C R E T

GT

SECRET      FOR AFOSI ONLY

R 171130Z NOV 80

FM HQ AFOSI BOLLING AFB DC//IVOE

TO RUWTFBA AFOSI DIST 17 KIRTLAND AFB NM//BID

INFO 7602 AINTELG FT BELVOIR VA//INSR

SECRET       FOR AFOSI ONLY

Ref:  Request for Photo Imagery Interpretation Your MSG 292030Z Oct 80.

Subject Case NR:  8017D93-126 HQ CR 44

1.  Subject Negatives/Film were analyzed by HQ IVT and 7602 AINTELG, it

and the following results were found:

A.  Negative #1:  Deplicting C-5A aircraft on approach and streaking

unidentified aerial object in lower right portion of film.  Film found to

be unaltered.  Size differential was not consistent with size of aircraft.

Conclusion:  Inconclusive

B.  Negative #2:  Deplicting cylinder shaped unidentified aerial object in

upper left portion of photo.  Film found to be unaltered.  Film showed

object to be consistent with field depth and consistent with relative size

of fixed objects.  Conclusion:  Legitimate negative of unidentified aerial

object.  Bolton/Reinfeld method did not reveal visible markings on object.

C.  Negative #3:  Deplicting irregular shaped unidentified aerial object

in seven frames of 8MM film.  Because of the size and apparent speed of

object no further classification or conclusion could be drawn.  Film shown

to be unaltered.

D.  34 inches of 8MM film:  Deplicting apparent colored object moving in

front of still camera.  Film found to be unaltered.  Spectrography

revealed colors to be basic prism features.  Depth analysis revealed

object to be within 152MM of camera.  Object was not consistent with

relative size of fixed objects observed for several seconds in film.

Conclusion:  inconclusive.

E.  Original Negative Deplicting Unidentified Object:  Film found to be

unaltered.  Because of a lack of fixed objects in the film, no depth

analysis could be performed.  Bolton, Reinfeld method revealed object to

be saucer shaped, approximate diameter 37 feet.  Object contained a

trilateral insignia on the lower portion of object.  Conclusion:

Legitimate negative of unidentified aerial object.

2.  Ref your request for further information regarding HQ CR 44, the

following is provided:  Capt. Grace 7602 Aintelg, INS contacted and

related following:  (S/WINTEL) USAF no longer publicly active in UFO

research, however USAF still has interest in all UFO sightings over USAF

installation/test ranges.  Several other government agencies, lead by

NASA, actively investigates legitimate sightings through covert cover.

(S/WINTEL/FSA)  One such cover is UFO Reporting Center, US Coast and

Geodetic Survey, Rockville, MD 20852.  NASA filters results of sightings

to appropriate military departments with interest in that particular

sighting.  The official US Government Policy and results of project

Aquarius is still classified top secret with no dissemination outside

official intelligence channels and with restricted access to "MJ

Twelve".  Case on Bennewitz is being monitored by NASA, INS, who

request all future evidence be forwarded to them thru AFOSI, IVOE.

4.  Ref your request for technical assistance.  Because of a chance of

public disclosure, no knowledgeable personnel with SPA will be provided.

Continue to receive assistance from individuals mentioned in your

message, Miller, fugate.  Because of the sensitivity of case, request

they be thoroughly debriefed at regualr intervals.

BTS

NNNS

DOWNGRADE 17NOV2020

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FOIA # 15

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Date Sent: 06-10-1986

  Subject: 1986 NSA REPLY AQUARIUS

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                       NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY

                       CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE

                Fort George G. Meade, Maryland 20755-6000

                                         Serial:  J9014C

                                                  15 APR 1986

    This responds to your letter of 7 March 1986 in which you further

narrowed your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for records

pertaining to Project Aquarius.

    The document located in response to your request as stated in your

7 March letter has been reviewed by this Agency as required by the FOIA

and has been found to be currently and properly classified in accordance

with Executive Order 12356.  This document meets the criteria for

classification as set forth in subparagraphs 2, 4, and 8 of section 1.3

and remains classified TOP SECRET as provided in section 1.1 of Executive

Order 12356.  The document is classified because its disclosure could

reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national

security.  Because the document is currently and properly classified, it

is exempt from disclosure pursuant to the first exemption of the FOIA

(5 U.S.C. section 552(b) (1)).

    In addition, this Agency is authorized by various statues to protect

certain information concerning its activities.  We have determined that

such information exists in this document.  Accordingly, those portions are

also exempt from disclosure pursuant to the third exemption of the FOIA

which provides for the withholding of information specifically protected

from disclosure by statute.  The specific statutes applicable in this case

are Title 18 U.S. Code 798; Title 50 U.S. Code 403(d) (3); and Section 6,

Public Law 86-36 (50 U.S. Code 402 "note").

    No portion of the information is reasonably segregable.

    Since your request has been denied, you are hereby advised of this

Agency's appeal procedures.

    Any person denied access to information may, within 45 days after

notification of the denial, file an appeal to the NSA/CSS Freedom of

Information Act Appeal Authority.  The appeal shall be in writing

addressed to the NSA/CSS FOIA Appeal Authority, National Security Agency,

Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755-6000.  The appeal shall reference the

initial denial of access and shall contain, in sufficient detail and

particularity, the grounds upon which the requester believes release of

the information is required.  The NSA/CSS Appeal Authority shall respond

to the appeal within 20 working days after receipt.

    In your letter, you take exception to the amount requested by this

Agency for manpower and computer search fees to process your original

request for all information on Project Aquarius.  Please be advised that

NSA search and duplication fees are computed in accordance with guidance

promulgated in sections 6-201 and 6-202 of Dod Directive 5400.7-R

                                           Sincerely,

                                       JULIA B. WETZEL

                                       Director of Policy

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FOIA # 16

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Date Sent: 06-10-1986

  Subject: 1983 P.L. CLARKE MEMO

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Mr. Peter L. Clarke                                   5 December 1983

KOB Television

4 Broadcast Plaza SW

PO Box 1351

Albuquerque NM 87103

Dear Mr. Clarke

This is in reference to your Freedom of Information Act request of 18

November 1983 requesting access to information regarding photographs taken

by Paul Bennewitz in 1980 near Kirtland AFB.

The only information we have in our files regarding this incident is a

copy of a message, originator unknown, which apparently was placed in

circulation in at least three cities in the U.S.  This message discusses

analysis of UFO photographs, and, while it does not mention who the

photographer was, it does mention the name Bennewitz.  The purported

originator, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, has reviewed

the message and confirmed that it is a hoax.  While the Air Force

Intelligence Service is listed as a recipient of the message, we have no

record of ever receiving it from AFOSI.  The copy which we have in our

files was forwarded to us by the organization Citizens Against UFO

Secrecy.

We are attaching a copy of the document as we received it.  We have,

however, removed the bogus security markings so as not to alarm any

recipients.  We are also attaching other documents created by this agency

as a result of the bogus message.  These documents have previously been

released to the public through the Freedom of Information Act.

For your further information, this agency collected information on UFO

sightings for a few years.  However, our interest in this topic was

discontinued in the mid-1970's and our UFO records were transferred to

the General Services Administration for inclusion in Project Blue Book.

These records are available for public inspection through the National

Archives and Records Service, Modern Military Branch, 8th and

Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington DC 20408.

Sincerely                                   3 Atch

                                            1-3.  Docs on UFO Incident

SUSAN COOKSEY

Freedom of Information Manager

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FOIA # 17

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Date Sent: 06-10-1986

  Subject: 1983 UNAUTHORIZED RELEASE

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                     DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

              Headquarters Air Force Intelligence Service

                     Fort Belvor Virginia 22060

DAD                                                      25 January 1983

Possible Unauthorized Release of Classified Material

INSA (MSgt Heldman)

DA

1.  Per our telephone conversation today, I am forwarding Mr Robert

Todd's FOIA request along with the AFOSI message for determination as to

classification level.  As you can see, Mr Todd retyped the message "for

easier reading."  I have talked to AFOSI/DADF, Nadine Dulacki.  According

to her, they did not release the message to Mr Todd nor does she know how

it came into his possession.  Maj Kilikauskas (AFSAC/INOB, 664-4488) has

looked at the message and he feels that it is a fake for several reasons:

  a.  There never has been an office within AFSAC (or 7602nd) with the

  symbol INS, INSR, or IT.

  b.  There has never been a "Capt Grace" (or anyone with the surname

  Grace) assigned to AFSAC.

  c.  The purported imagery interpretation done is outside AFSAC's and

  AFOSI's mission.  Further, AFSAC has no individuals who are photo

  interpreters.

  d.  The term WNINTEL is spelled phonetically on each occurrence.  OSI

  should certainly be familiar with the correct spelling.  Further, the

  document is replete with grammatical errors, typing errors, and in

  general, makes no sense.

  e.  The document is not in the standard, accepted format for

  classified messages.

Neither Maj Kilikauskas nor Mr Nehlig (who has worked in AFSAC many

years) remember hearing of a "Project Aquarius."  Further, Maj

Kilikauskas had no idea if the information purported supplied by this

Capt Grace is, in fact, classified at the Secret/WNINTEL level.  He

suggests that both NASA and Coast and Geodetic Survey be contacted to

see if they have an interest in the message.

2.  Finally, I have talked to Mr Earl Middaugh (AFOSI/IVOE, 767-5144).

He remembers a FOIA request that his office staffed which involved an

AFOSI message similar to this one.  However, they were unable to identify

it as OSI originated.  He thinks perhaps this might be the same message.

I have forwarded a copy of the Todd request to the AFOSI Freedom of

Information Office (Bob Walker, 767-5262).  Upon receipt both Mr Walker

and Mr Middaugh will be better able to determine if this is a legitimate

AFOSI document.

3.  Until a determination is made, we ill regard the document as

classified.

SUSAN COOKSEY                              2 Atch

Documentation Management Branch            1.  Todd Request

                                           2.  Message, 2 cys (S/WNINTEL)

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FOIA # 18

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Date Sent: 06-10-1986

  Subject: 1986 NSA PROJ. AQUARIUS

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                       NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY

                       CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE

               Fort George G. Meade, Maryland 20755-6000

Mr. _____________________                               Serial:  J9014A

_________________________

_________________________                                20 FEB 1986

Dear Mr. ________________

     This is in response to your Freedom of Information Act request of 8

January 1986 in which you request information on a group referred to as

MJ12 or "Majestic 12" and Projects Sigma, Snowbird and Aquarius.

     Please be advised that Sigma and Snowbird are not projects of this

Agency, so we would have no records responsive to that portion of your

request.  In addition, no records were located relating to M12 or

"Majestic 12."

     An initial survey of materials responsive to that portion of your

request dealing with Project Aquarius would result in search fees in

excess of $15,000 for manpower and computer costs.  Our search would be

facilitated and the search fees may be less if you provide us with

additional information regarding the type of information in which you are

interested.  This request for further specificity is in accordance with

DoD regulations governing the processing of FOIA requests.

     Should you wish us to initiate a search for records responsive to

your request as stated inyour 8 January letter, please be advised that our

policy is to request advance payment of one-half the estimated cost, as

well as an agreement to pay the balance, prior to initiating the search.

     Please be advised that your agreeing to incur these fees will not

necessarily result in the disclosure to you of any information.  It has

been our experience, that any records responsive to your request, if such

records exist, most likely would be classified or otherwise exempt from

release in accordance with the exemption provisions of the Freedom of

Information Act.  The application of these exemptions to NSA information

has been consistently approved by the Federal Judiciary.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOIA # 19

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Date Sent: 06-10-1986

  Subject: 1986 NSA PROJ. AQUARIUS

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                         NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY

                         CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE

                Fort George G. Meade, Maryland 20755-6000

__________________________                               Serial:  J9014A

__________________________

__________________________                               03 MAR 1986

Dear Mr. _________________:

    This is in response to your letter of 20 February 1986 in which you

stated that, regarding your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for

information on Project Aquarius, you are interested in Aquarius as it

pertains to unidentified aerial objects.  Please be advised that Project

Aquarius does not deal with unidentified aerial projects.  We, therefore,

have no information to provide to you on the subject.

    In your letter you also ask for information on Projects Sigma and

Snowbird.  The FOIA provides that a person has a right of access to

federal agency records, except to the extent that such records are

protected from disclosure by one of nine exemptions.  It does not require

that an agency answer questions.  As I mentioned in my letter of 20

February, Sigma and Snowbird are not NSA projects; therefore, we have no

information to give you on these topics.

    Since you indicate in your letter that you will not be paying the

$15,000.00 fee to search for records pertaining to Aquarius, this response

completes our action on your request.

                                           Sincerely,

                                       DENNIS C. CHADWICK

                                             Chief

                                       Information Policy