Sighting Report — Norfolk, Virginia, 20 October 1953

This document is a formal military sighting report concerning an unidentified aerial phenomenon observed on October 20, 1953, near Norfolk, Virginia. A pilot operating a T-33 aircraft at an altitude of 24,000 feet and a heading of 260 degrees reported observing three small white disks while scanning the sky for other aircraft. The objects appeared to be stationary and were described as being approximately one centimeter apart from the pilot's perspective. The observation lasted for approximately 15 minutes before the objects disappeared. The report includes details regarding the pilot's flight path and the weather conditions, which were noted as clear and unrestricted. Following an investigation by the 425th Wing Intelligence, the official conclusion reached was that the objects were a weather balloon. The report specifies that a weather balloon had been released from Norfolk Naval Air Station at 1335Z and was last tracked at 15 miles slant range bearing 155 degrees from the station. The document notes that the observer attempted to climb toward the objects, but they disappeared prior to interception. The report is marked as unclassified and includes instructions for downgrading at three-year intervals, with full declassification after 12 years, in accordance with DOD Directive 5200.10.