This email chain documents a request to review and declassify a report about an unidentified object sighting. An Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) official approved releasing the report at an unclassified level using a derivative classification review process instead of a full declassification request.
What was observed?
A civilian reported seeing a large blue triangular object with a featureless surface near a national security facility in the Pacific Time Zone in March 2023. The object emitted bright whitish-blue light from multiple points along its edges. The observer watched it for about eight minutes total, first hovering stationary for roughly three minutes, then moving higher in their field of view in what they described as jerking or jumping motions.
What did the observer say about the object's movement?
The reporter characterized the object's motion as inconsistent with smooth jet propulsion, describing it as backing up in a jerking or jumping manner. They could not determine whether the object had a defined front or rear, could not identify how it was controlled, and could not identify its means of propulsion. The observer stated they did not think it was a drone.
What did the observer rule out?
The reporter commented that the object did not seem to travel along a defined flight path, did not appear to have photograph or data collection capabilities, did not emit a vapor trail, and did not demonstrate cloaking capabilities. However, the observer noted they did not directly witness these behaviors and were commenting on what they did not see.
How was this report processed?
The AFOSI official explained that the standard declassification process for intelligence information reports (IIRs) is lengthy and requires a commander's signature. Instead, they used a derivative classification review, which allowed them to approve releasing the report at an unclassified level based on a summary provided by the requester.
Full Document Text
Text extracted directly from the source PDF. Text extraction via abigailhaddad/ufo-releases; original file at war.gov.
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--- PAGE 1 --- (b) (6) Good morning! Thank you for your patience on this-- like I said, this was a first for me. Upon consulting internally here at HQ, our folks confirmed we do have the authority to process this as a derivative classification review, instead of a declassification request. Based upon the summary you provided below, I concur with using this at the UNCLASSIFIED level in your product. Consider your request approved. Please let me know if there's anything else I can do for you! Thanks, (b) (6) OSI CI Collections and Operations PM Intelligence Oversight PM (b) (6) (b) (6) --- PAGE 2 --- 1.4(a) Good morning, Thank you for your request. Our process for declassifying IIRs is lengthy and requires AFOSI Commander signature so I'm exploring options akin to a security review of the UNCLASS summary you have provided below. This is a first for me so I appreciate your patience as I try to streamline this request for you! Thanks, (b) (6) OSI CI Collections and Operations PM Intelligence Oversight PM --- PAGE 3 --- 1.4(a) --- PAGE 4 --- 1.4(a) CURRENT CLASSIFICATION S//NF-REQUESTED CLASSIFICATION UNCLASSIFIED Reported Appearance: An individual reported observing a large blue featureless triangular object with a solid, unwavering silhouette emitting powerful "whitish blue" light from multiple points along its perimeter. Reported Behavior: The reporter described the object as "hovering" stationary above or near a national security facility for approximately three minutes. They then reported observing it move to a position higher in their field of view. The reporter characterized the object's motion as "backing up" in a "jerking" or "jumping" manner inconsistent with "smooth" jet propulsion. The individual reported that they observed the object for approximately eight minutes. Other Observations: The reporter commented that they could not discern whether or how the object was controlled, could not identify its means of propulsion, and could not determine whether it had a defined "front or rear." They stated that they "didn't think" the object was a drone. The reporter also commented on behaviors and capabilities they did not directly observe. They stated that the object did not seem to travel along a defined flight path, possess any "photograph or data collection capabilities," emit a "vapor trail," or demonstrate "cloaking capabilities." Event Summary: Location: Pacific Time Zone Date: March 2023 Time of Day: Night Duration: Approx. 8 minutes Reporter Type: Civilian Obtained by: Personal cellular device Reported Characteristics: Altitude: Not reported --- PAGE 5 --- Speed: Not reported Size: Large Shape: Triangular Color: Blue Material: Not reported Markings: Featureless Behavior: Emitting light, erratic movement The IIR and draft report are attached. This is a routine request, please confirm receipt. If you have any questions, please contact me. (b) (6) Information Disclosure Analyst Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (b) (6) CLASSIFICATION: SECRET//NOFORN CLASSIFICATION: SECRET//NOFORN --- PAGE 6 ---View the official file
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the observer say about the object's appearance?
The observer reported a large blue triangular object with a featureless surface. It emitted powerful whitish-blue light from multiple points along its perimeter.
An individual reported observing a large blue featureless triangular object with a solid, unwavering silhouette emitting powerful "whitish blue" light from multiple points along its perimeter.
How long did the observer watch the object?
The observer watched the object for approximately eight minutes total. It hovered stationary for about three minutes, then moved higher in their field of view.
The reporter described the object as "hovering" stationary above or near a national security facility for approximately three minutes. They then reported observing it move to a position higher in their field of view. The reporter characterized the object's motion as "backing up" in a "jerking" or "jumping" manner inconsistent with "smooth" jet propulsion. The individual reported that they observed the object for approximately eight minutes.
What did the observer say about the object's movement?
The observer described the motion as jerking or jumping in a manner inconsistent with smooth jet propulsion. They could not determine whether the object was controlled or identify its means of propulsion.
What did the observer rule out about the object?
The observer stated the object did not seem to travel along a defined flight path, did not appear to have photograph or data collection capabilities, did not emit a vapor trail, and did not demonstrate cloaking capabilities. The observer also stated they did not think the object was a drone.
Congressional Context
No confirmed links between this file and the congressional record yet. Connections are added only when the source text supports them, never inferred.