Sighting Report — Inyokern, California, 16 May 1953

On 16 May 1953, at approximately 1810 PST, a report was filed at the Inyokern Naval Air Facility at the Naval Ordnance Test Station in California. A civilian employee, identified as a doctor, reported observing three cream-colored, round, balloon-like objects with strings hanging down. These objects were observed overhead at an estimated altitude of 20,000 feet, climbing rapidly toward the northeast. Several other civilians at the station also witnessed the objects. No photographs were taken, and no attempt at interception was made. The report indicates that the exhaust or method of propulsion was undetermined. The information was transmitted via a TWX from the Flight Service Center at March AFB to various intelligence headquarters. Project Blue Book evaluated the incident, noting that the description matched that of Moby Dick upper air research balloons, which were known to be released in that area. The evaluation concluded that the objects were 'possibly balloon (Moby Dick),' pending further verification through the receipt of USAF Form 112 and specific balloon flight plots for the region.