Ryan Graves

Ryan Graves is a former U.S. Navy Lieutenant and F/A-18F Super Hornet pilot who repeatedly observed unidentified objects during training operations off the U.S. East Coast between 2014 and 2015. He became the first active-duty pilot to speak publicly about regular UAP encounters and later testified before Congress about what he and his squadron witnessed. He now leads Americans for Safe Aerospace, a nonprofit focused on UAP reporting, aerospace safety, and national security.

What did Ryan Graves do in the military?

Graves served in the U.S. Navy for approximately a decade, including two combat deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. He was also qualified as a T-45C Goshawk instructor pilot and deployed aboard the USS Enterprise in 2012. Between 2014 and 2015, he flew with Strike Fighter Squadron 11 (VFA-11), known as the "Red Rippers," during training operations with the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group off the U.S. East Coast.

What UAP encounters did Graves report?

During the 2014-2015 period, Graves and his squadron repeatedly observed unidentified objects with advanced flight capabilities off the coast of Virginia Beach. In one incident, two members of the Red Rippers reported taking evasive action after a "dark gray" object appeared in their airspace. Graves described the objects as remaining "completely stationary in Category 4 hurricane winds" before accelerating to supersonic speeds in erratic and quick behaviors that he said he had no explanation for.

What did Graves testify before Congress?

On July 26, 2023, Graves testified before the House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on National Security, the Border and Foreign Affairs, at a hearing titled "Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Implications on National Security, Public Safety, and Government Transparency." He testified that UAP sightings in U.S. airspace "are not rare, but they are grossly under-reported" and that sightings had become an "open secret" among Navy aircrew near Virginia Beach. He also testified that all UAP videos since 2021 are classified Secret or above, preventing the public and some members of Congress from viewing footage such as the full GIMBAL video recorded by his squadron.

What is Americans for Safe Aerospace?

Graves founded Americans for Safe Aerospace (ASA), described as the first military pilot-led nonprofit dedicated to UAP as a matter of national security, aerospace safety, and science. ASA is also described as the world's largest UAP advocacy community dedicated to pilot support, aerospace safety, and data collection. Graves serves as its Executive Director.

What other roles does Graves hold?

Graves serves as the inaugural Chair of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena Integration and Outreach Committee. He has been featured in Politico, NBC News, 60 Minutes, The History Channel, The New York Times, and The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.