Disposition Form: Unidentified Object Which Fell in Water Off Okinawa, Nov 50

This document is a disposition form dated August 25, 1952, regarding an unidentified object that reportedly fell into the water off the coast of Okinawa on November 21, 1950. The report originates from the Department of the Air Force, AFOIN-2A2, and is addressed to the Chief of the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The incident involved a military witness, a Sergeant whose name is redacted, who appeared before Project Blue Book personnel to report the sighting. The witness provided a sketch of the area, which he believed to be near the village of Ginama on the northern tip of Okinawa. However, subsequent analysis by ATIC personnel revealed discrepancies between the witness's account and official hydrographic charts. Furthermore, the water depth at the location indicated by the witness was found to be at least 10 fathoms, which would necessitate extensive diving operations over a significant area, rendering a recovery attempt impractical. The document includes transcripts of interviews with the witness and Captain Ruppelt, who discussed the nature of the object's sound, which was described as distinct from a conventional aircraft engine. The official conclusion reached by the Air Force was that there was insufficient data for a definitive evaluation. The document recommends that all materials related to the case be archived for potential future review should Project Blue Book's status change. The file includes various maps and charts of the Okinawa region, specifically sheets 3727-1 SW and 3727-111 NE, as well as hydrographic and aeronautical charts of the area. The document was originally classified as 'Restricted' and contains instructions for its eventual declassification under DOD Directive 5200.10.