Report of Radar sighting of unidentified object by SCR-584 Rawin Crew, 0305Z 13 October 1953

This document consists of a formal report and transmittal correspondence regarding a radar sighting of an unidentified object at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, on October 13, 1953. The sighting was recorded by a SCR-584 Rawin crew at 0305Z. The object was initially detected on the radar scope, appearing similar in intensity and size to a weather balloon. The object entered the scope from the Northeast, maintained a course of 250 degrees for approximately 10 minutes, and then gradually changed direction to exit the scope on a heading of approximately 70 degrees. The altitude of the object was reported to have varied significantly, ranging from 225,000 feet down to 37,000 feet over the course of the 36-minute observation. The object was noted to be moving with the wind at the levels where wind was reported. The observers, S/Sgt August A. Washington and A/2C Harold D. Nadler, were both considered highly competent and reliable. The investigating officer, 1st Lt. Robert G. Johnson, conducted interviews with the observers and radar technicians. The investigation concluded that the sighting was a phenomenon of microwave transmission and reception, likely aided by meteorological and astronomical activity, noting that similar sightings had occurred frequently at the R33 site in recent years. The document includes a transmittal letter from the Headquarters 3902d Air Base Wing to the Director of Intelligence at Headquarters USAF, referencing compliance with AFR 200-2.