Project 10073 Record Card and Related Correspondence — Sighting of 13 Feb 61

This document collection details a UAP sighting reported by the crew of an RC-121 aircraft (call sign Ethan 37) on February 13, 1961, while operating west of Guadalupe Island. The crew, consisting of Aircraft Commander Captain John F. Dupriest and Air Surveillance Technician SSG Ronald T. Marchman, observed a single, bright white, round, star-shaped object for approximately six minutes. The object was initially perceived as an aircraft banking, but the observers quickly realized its rapid movement relative to the stars indicated otherwise. The object maintained a constant speed and direction on a straight track of approximately 90 degrees before ceasing to emit light. The observers noted that the object appeared to be a satellite. Despite the presence of AEW&C aircraft, a US Navy picket vessel, and coastal AC&W search radars in the area, no radar contact was made with the object. The weather conditions were described as a broken to overcast cloud deck with clear and bright conditions above. Following the initial CIRVIS report, a formal UFO report was submitted in accordance with AFR 200-2. The 552 AEW&C Wing Intelligence Officer concluded that the observers likely witnessed a satellite in orbit, noting that both crew members had previously observed the Echo I satellite on several occasions and felt this object shared its characteristics. However, the intelligence office lacked the specific trajectory data required to provide a definitive confirmation. Subsequent correspondence between ATIC and the 552 AEW&C Wing clarified the heading of the witness aircraft during the sighting, which was confirmed as 310 degrees magnetic.