Project Blue Book Record: Sighting at Kirtland AFB, 12 July 1966

This document contains a collection of reports and correspondence regarding a UFO sighting that occurred on the night of 12-13 June 1966 at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. The primary report, a Project Blue Book record, details an observation by four witnesses of a 'star-like' object that appeared to move slowly, gain altitude, and veer left and right before returning to its original position. The duration of the observation was approximately 3-4 minutes. The official conclusion reached by the Air Force was that the object was the Echo II satellite, which was confirmed to be traveling toward the SSE over the area at the time of the sighting. Supporting documentation includes a letter from the Air Force Special Weapons Center (AFSC) at Kirtland AFB to the Foreign Technology Division (FTD) at Wright-Patterson AFB, noting that a check with the White Sands Missile Range failed to disclose any missile firings that could account for the sighting. The file also includes handwritten notes from the witnesses, who were identified as personnel from the 4900th Air Base Group, describing the object as a 'bright yellow white light' seen on a 'clear starlit night.' The correspondence highlights administrative concerns regarding the quality of UFO reports, with Major Quintanilla noting that reports were being returned due to incomplete information and emphasizing the need for compliance with AFR 200-2.