Project 10073 Record Card and Incoming Message — Naknek, Alaska, January 1961

This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and an associated incoming Air Force staff message regarding a UFO sighting that occurred on January 10, 1961, near Naknek, Alaska. Two fishermen reported observing a circular object, approximately 25 feet in diameter, for a duration of 90 minutes. The object was described as glowing orange while hovering and changing to blue when in motion, accompanied by a whistling sound. It exhibited high speed and maneuverability, moving between various points before eventually heading south. The witnesses claimed to have seen similar objects over the previous five years. Intelligence Officer Capt. John R. Petkosek investigated the report and concluded that the cause of the sighting was unknown. The report notes that there was no air traffic in the area according to the FAA, the 705th ACWRON, or the King Salmon control tower. A weather balloon was released at 0045Z, but the winds aloft were deemed incompatible with the object's movement. The investigator expressed doubt regarding the reliability of the witnesses and ultimately classified the case as having insufficient data for evaluation.