Project 10073 Record Card — Norfolk, Virginia, March 1959

This document contains a collection of records, correspondence, and a Project 10073 record card regarding a series of UFO sightings reported in the Norfolk, Virginia area in March 1959. The primary witness, a local art teacher, reported observing a large, ball-like, orange-yellow object that emitted intense flashes of light, which she initially mistook for lightning. The witness, who was with her son, described the object as hovering and later appearing to land. She was so impressed by the event that she created a pastel drawing of the phenomenon. The investigation was handled by 1st Lieutenant Gene E. Taft of the 345th Bombardment Wing, who coordinated with the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC). Upon investigation, it was determined that the sightings coincided with night photo training operations conducted by the 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, based at Shaw AFB, South Carolina. These aircraft were dropping flash bombs at the Ship Shoal Range, located northeast of Norfolk. The azimuth and elevation reported by the witnesses were found to align with the location of the training range. Lt. Taft concluded that the reported objects were indeed the flash bombs used during these training exercises. The witness's drawing was reviewed by military personnel, who noted it depicted only a 'blob of light.' The military ultimately decided not to require the drawing for their records, and the case was closed with the explanation that the sightings were the result of military training activities.