1979 01 00 Airman

Magazine Overview

This issue of AIRMAN magazine, dated January 1979, features a prominent cover story on "PROJECT UFO," the NBC television series that dramatized actual cases investigated by the Air Force. The magazine explores the production of the show, its actors, and the historical context of UFO investigations.

Project UFO: The Television Series

The article details the creation and portrayal of "Project UFO," a Mark VII production by Jack Webb. It highlights the actors Ed Winter and Caskey Swaim, who play Air Force investigators Capt. Ben Ryan and TSgt. Harry Fitz, respectively. The show is described as an hour-long program that dramatizes real cases from the Air Force's 22-year investigation into unidentified flying objects. The production involved extensive cooperation with the Air Force, with Maj. Ron Gruchy serving as the technical advisor, ensuring accuracy in uniforms, jargon, and procedures. The article notes that while the show aims for realism, it allows for theatrical license. The series is presented as a way to educate the public about the Air Force's efforts and to counter any mistrust of government.

Behind the Scenes

Photographs and descriptions illustrate the filming process, including actors rehearsing scenes, helicopter sequences, and discussions between cast and crew. The article emphasizes the professionalism of the actors and the production team in recreating the investigative work.

The Air Force's UFO Investigations: Project Blue Book

The magazine provides a historical overview of the U.S. Air Force's involvement in UFO investigations, starting with Project Sign, then Project Grudge, and finally Project Blue Book, which officially began in 1952. The program's objectives were to determine if UFOs posed a threat to national security and to identify any advanced technology. The Air Force defined UFOs as objects that did not conform to known aircraft or missile types. Over 12,000 sightings were recorded, with most attributed to natural phenomena. However, 701 sightings remained unexplained.

Conclusion of Project Blue Book

In 1969, following an analysis by a scientific team from the University of Colorado and the National Academy of Science, the Air Force concluded that no identified flying object indicated a threat to national security or represented technological developments beyond current scientific knowledge. The study suggested that further extensive study of UFO sightings was not justified. The program's rescinded regulation, AFR 200-2, and all documentation were transferred to the National Archives and Records Service.

Public Interest and Continued Scrutiny

Despite the official conclusion of Project Blue Book, the article notes that many individuals, including clergymen and politicians, continue to report sightings. Several organizations in the U.S. and abroad continue to investigate the phenomenon. The magazine suggests that the "Project UFO" television series has heightened public interest but also, paradoxically, may encourage more careful observation by viewers.

Expert Opinions

Jack Webb, the producer, acknowledges that many intelligent, rational people have seen something, but laments the lack of hard evidence, describing the subject as "mostly theory, conjecture, and speculation." Col. Bill Coleman, a former Air Force spokesman and producer for the show, maintains objectivity, stating, "I am not a skeptic and I am not a believer." He emphasizes that the Air Force's mission was to investigate threats and new knowledge, not to deny the existence of extraterrestrial life.

Notable Sightings and Explanations

The article mentions specific cases, such as the "Island Incident" episode, where a sighting near Toratupa was explained as potentially ball lightning. It also references historical accounts, including Ezekiel's vision and the "Miracle of Fatima" in 1917, as well as the controversial "Miracle of Fatima" in 1917. The investigation into UFOs was initially recommended by Gen. Nathan F. Twining.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine adopts a balanced approach, presenting the historical investigations of the Air Force and the dramatization of these events in the "Project UFO" series. It highlights the ongoing public fascination with UFOs while also underscoring the lack of definitive proof. The editorial stance appears to be one of informing the public about the Air Force's past efforts and the complexities surrounding the UFO phenomenon, without taking a definitive stance on the existence of extraterrestrial visitors. The issue concludes with a note that the "Project UFO" series was likely to be cancelled by the TV network, though reruns might be shown.