Project 10073 Record: Sighting at Kadena AFB, Okinawa, 25 April 1954

This document is a Project 10073 record detailing an unidentified aerial phenomenon sighting that occurred on 25 April 1954 at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. Three trained weather observers—A/3 James R. Spillem, A/2 Frank J. Duracher, and A/1 Arvis R. Conner—reported observing a single, bluish-white object that appeared similar to a shining star. The object was estimated to be approximately 18 inches in size when viewed from 4 feet above the observers' heads, though it appeared smaller than a baseball. The observers reported that the object performed two turns and a circle, followed by a zig-zag motion, before making another complete circle and disappearing in a southeasterly direction. The duration of the observation was approximately 5 seconds. The observers, who were trained in weather observation, explicitly stated their belief that the object was not a falling star and estimated its speed to be several thousand miles per hour. An investigation by the ADCC controller, 1st Lieutenant Robert Q. Lavey, found no evidence of a corresponding radar track, and it was noted that there were no balloons in the area at the time. Major Archie F. Roy, an intelligence officer, confirmed that the witnesses were trained observers. Despite the detailed account provided by the witnesses, the official conclusion recorded on the form is 'INSUFFICIENT DATA FOR EVALUATION.' The document includes meteorological data for the area, noting 2/10 cumulonimbus clouds at 2,200 feet and 1/13 altocumulus at 12,000 feet, with unlimited visibility.