Initial Report of Investigation of UFO — 8 November 1965

On the night of November 7, 1965, personnel at the Ocracoke Coast Guard Station in North Carolina reported observing an unidentified aerial phenomenon. The observers, including EM3 R. B. O'Neal, EN2 C. T. Chamber, SN W. J. Burrun, and SA R. W. Ferrell, were on routine tower watch at a height of 50 feet. Using 7x50 binoculars, they observed a round, star-like object for approximately one hour, between 2300 and 2400 EST. The object appeared as a bright white light that dimmed periodically, with occasional flashing red and green lights on either side. It remained at an elevation of 10 to 20 degrees above the horizon, moving only slightly up and down. The weather was noted as being exceptionally clear, allowing for visibility of the horizon. The incident was reported to the Norfolk Rescue Coordination Center and subsequently to the 4500th Air Base Wing at Langley Air Force Base. An investigation conducted by 1st Lt Robert R. Dockum concluded that the object was almost certainly the Diamond Shoal Light Ship, located approximately 30 miles east of Ocracoke. The report notes that the ship possesses a 16,000 candle power light that cycles on and off, which matches the visual description provided by the witnesses. While the witnesses reported red and green lights, the investigation suggested these were likely running lights on the ship, which are typically off while anchored but may have been active if the ship was oriented toward the observers.