Project 10073 Record Card and Staff Message Division Incoming Message — 18 Sep 1961

This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and a Department of the Air Force Staff Message Division incoming message (AF IN 1436) dated 19 September 1961. The message details a CIRVIS report concerning an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sighting by the crew of PATRON-22 on 18 September 1961, near Johnsvton AFB in the Pacific. Four crew members—the plane captain, radar operator, ECM operator, and an ordnance man—provided accounts of the event. The object was consistently described as oblong in shape, similar to a bullet, and estimated to be the size of a basketball in diameter with a length of five diameters. Observers noted the object was white-bluish in color, though some reported reddish-orange hues. The object was observed for a duration of 2 to 5 seconds, traveling on a course of 180 degrees at a speed described as faster than a jet interceptor. Witnesses reported that the object appeared to be on a ballistic trajectory, with sparks or fire trailing from its sides and nose. Some observers noted a spontaneous burst of light or fire. While the object was initially considered a potential shooting star, its low altitude and proximity to the island caused the observers to question this assessment. The radar operator noted the object appeared as a ball of fire flashing through the sky and observed it for approximately 3 seconds. The ECM operator noted the object's size was similar to a rotating aerodrome beacon. Despite the unusual characteristics, all witnesses reported that the object did not alter its course or speed during the observation. The document includes a note that an advance copy was delivered to OOP-CP on 19 September 1961. The classification of the document was later cancelled.