Clifford Stone Special Report 2 - UFO Military Confrontations

Magazine Overview

This document is titled "SPECIAL REPORT 2 UFO/MILITARY CONFRONTATIONS CASE STUDIES" by Clifford E. Stone, dated May 31, 1990. It functions as a report rather than a typical magazine issue, focusing on the intersection of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and military encounters, and the subsequent reaction of the American Intelligence Community.

General Discussion

The report begins by referencing the termination of Project Blue Book on December 17, 1969, by Secretary of the Air Force Robert C. Seamans, Jr. The official reason given was that the project could not be justified on the grounds of national security or scientific interest. However, the author questions this stance, noting that despite the public declaration, every scientific branch of the American Intelligence Community maintains a "scientific interest" in UFO phenomena, particularly in what is termed "UFO Technology." This report aims to demonstrate that the American Intelligence Community considers UFOs a matter of national security.

To facilitate understanding, the report provides definitions for "Unidentified Flying Object (UFO)" and "National Security," citing sources from the Air Defense Command and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A UFO is defined as any airborne object whose performance, characteristics, or features do not conform to known types of aircraft or missiles. National Security is defined as a collective term encompassing national defense and foreign relations, including military advantage, favorable foreign relations, and a defense posture against hostile actions. The author emphasizes that much of the information regarding these cases remains classified, at least as SECRET and often TOP SECRET with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access restrictions.

Case Files

The report then details several specific case studies:

File Case 1 (Cuba, March 1967)

This incident involved the 6947th Security Squadron monitoring Cuban military communications. Cuban radar detected a bogey approaching from the northeast, prompting the scramble of two MIG-21 fighter-interceptors. The object was visually identified by the pilots as a bright metallic sphere. After failing to establish contact, Cuban Air Defense Headquarters ordered the object destroyed. The flight leader's aircraft reportedly disintegrated, with no smoke or flame observed. The object then accelerated rapidly beyond 32,000 feet, heading southeast towards South America. A spot report was sent to the National Security Agency (NSA), but they did not acknowledge receipt, and the loss of the aircraft was later classified as an equipment malfunction. The NSA reportedly still maintains records classified at the TS/SCI level.

File Case 2 (Iran, 19-20 September 1976)

On September 19, 1976, the Imperial Iranian Air Force command post received calls about strange objects in the sky. An officer investigated and observed a bright object. An F-4 fighter was scrambled from Shahpokhi AFB to investigate. Upon approaching within 25 nautical miles, the F-4 pilot lost all instrumentation and communications. When the F-4 turned away, instrumentation and communications were restored. A second F-4 was scrambled, and its backseater acquired a radar lock, but the object moved away. The object displayed flashing strobe lights in blue, green, red, and orange. A second, smaller object emerged from the primary one and headed towards the F-4 at high speed, causing the pilot to lose control and communications again. Shortly after, a third object emerged and descended rapidly, landing gently on the ground and emitting a bright light. The F-4 crew observed this landing from 15 miles altitude. During landing procedures at Mehrabad, the F-4 crew experienced radio interference and INS fluctuations. A civil airliner also experienced communications failure in the same vicinity. Later, a cylinder-shaped object with lights was observed.

File Case 3 (Peru, 9 & 10 May 1980)

On May 9, 1980, Peruvian Air Force officers observed a round UFO hovering near an airfield. An SU-22 was scrambled to intercept, and the pilot fired upon the object at close range without apparent damage. The object outran the SU-22. On the night of May 10, a second object with lights was sighted, and another SU-22 was scrambled, but it was also outran by the object. A State Department Telex noted that "Apparently some vehicle was spotted, but its origin remains unknown."

File Case 4 (Brazil, May 19, 1986)

On May 19, 1986, at least 20 unidentified flying objects were observed by aircrews and on radar. Fighters were scrambled from Santa Cruz Air Base, and three pilots reported seeing red, white, and green lights. Similar objects were detected near Brasilia, and three Mirages were scrambled. These aircraft made radar and visual contact at 20,000 feet and reported being escorted by thirteen disk-shaped objects with colored lights. The objects then rapidly disappeared from radar. The Air Minister stated that three groups of targets were on ground radar and airborne radars were saturated. A State Department Telex noted, "There is too much here to be ignored. Three visual sightings and positive radar contact from three different types of radar systems leads one to believe that something arrived over Brazil the night of 19 May."

Conclusions

The cases presented are a small sample of the volume of information the American Intelligence Community holds on similar cases, much of which remains classified in the interest of national security, even at the TS/SCI level. The author asserts that regardless of public statements by the Air Force, the intelligence community considers UFO/military confrontations to be a matter of national security. The reasons for this classification are unknown to the public and researchers. The researcher concludes that aerial objects displaying technology beyond current human capabilities are operating in Earth's airspace, directed with purpose and under intelligent control not of this world. Nations are powerless to act against these objects, which may explain the denial and high degree of classification by governments to avoid appearing helpless.

The report further suggests that the American Intelligence Community, particularly the US Air Force, has been made a scapegoats in the UFO cover-up. The author believes that all governments possess classified UFO information, partly to protect intelligence methodologies, technology, locations, and operatives. However, the author also expresses respect for the dedication of intelligence community personnel. To foster openness and an informed public, the author calls for the American Intelligence Community to reconsider its stance and make available to the scientific community all government information on UFOs, including that currently classified for national security reasons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this report are the classification of UFO-related information by intelligence agencies, the perceived national security implications of UFO phenomena, and the author's belief that these objects are extraterrestrial in origin and pose a significant, albeit unacknowledged, challenge to global powers. The editorial stance is critical of government secrecy surrounding UFOs and advocates for greater transparency and scientific investigation.

This document contains the "MIJI QUARTERLY (U)" issue MQ 3-78, published by the UNITED STATES AIR FORCE SECURITY SERVICE in October 1978. The MIJI Quarterly is published four times a year, normally in March, June, September, and December. It contains narrative summaries of all meaconing, intrusion, and jamming incidents evaluated during the quarter, along with MIJI statistical and trend data, and items of special interest.

Additionally, the document includes a letter from the National Security Agency (NSA) dated 30 September 1987, addressed to Senator Pete V. Domenici, responding to inquiries on behalf of Clifford E. Stone regarding UFO information. The NSA's response, signed by Julia B. Wetzel, Director of Policy, addresses specific points raised by Mr. Stone.

Editorial Content

MIJI Quarterly Content

The "MIJI QUARTERLY (U)" issue MQ 3-78 includes an "EDITORIAL" (page 1), "MIJI SURVEY" (page 3), and "SPECIAL INTEREST ITEMS" (page 7). Specific articles or sections include "COMPLETING THE 'BIG PICTURE'" (page 8), "NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU DON'T" (page 13), "MEACONING" (page 19), "INTRUSION" (page 25), and "JAMMING" (page 25).

One article, "NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU DON'T (U)" by Captain Henry S. Shields, HQ USAFE/INOMP, recounts an episode from late 1976 involving two F-4 Phantom crews of the Imperial Iranian Air Force. The incident began with reports of strange airborne objects near Tehran. An F-4 was scrambled to investigate a brilliant object visible from 70 miles away. Upon approaching within 25 NM, the interceptor lost all instrumentation and communications. The object was described visually as flashing strobe lights in a rectangular pattern of alternating blue, green, red, and orange. A second object detached from the first and headed towards the F-4, causing a power loss and communications failure. A third object detached and landed gently in a two-three kilometer area. The F-4 crew experienced landing difficulties due to night vision interference and communications loss. Another UFO, described as cylinder-shaped, was observed later. The following day, a helicopter search of the landing area revealed nothing unusual, but a beeper signal led to a nearby house where inhabitants reported loud noises and a bright light the previous night. Tests in the vicinity of the house were planned but results were not reported.

NSA Letter to Senator Domenici

The NSA letter addresses Clifford E. Stone's request for information, specifically his exceptions to the NSA's previous reply.

• Item 1: Regarding the $250.00 fee for an Agency-wide search, the NSA reiterates that fees can only be waived under specific circumstances. The letter also addresses the RAF Woodbridge Base incident. The NSA states that its primary missions (communications security, computer security, foreign intelligence) make it unlikely to possess information on this incident. However, the term "unidentified flying object" might appear in Agency material, but such material is classified and not segregable, thus exempt from FOIA disclosure. The NSA notes that "unidentified flying object" is a general term not exclusively referring to extraterrestrial spacecraft.
• Item 2: The NSA cannot determine if it was the "agency" referred to in a 1979 USAF letter regarding the March 1967 UFO destruction of a Cuban MiG. If records existed, they would be classified and not releasable.
• Item 3: The NSA has no information on a "Project Aquarius" dealing with UFOs and recommends Mr. Stone query the Air Force.
• Items 4 and 5: The NSA has no knowledge of "Snowbird" and therefore took no action.
• Items 6 and 7: Regarding classification, the NSA reiterates its effort to interpret FOIA requests broadly. While individual records solely on UFOs might not exist, references to UFOs within classified information are protected. The withholding of such information has been upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
• Item 4.(4): Classified information is not withheld from Congress during inquiries if arrangements are made to protect it.

The NSA assures that it has responded as completely as possible and that any documents remotely responsive to UFO requests are properly classified.

Peruvian UFO Incident Report

A separate report, originating from USDAD LIMA PERU and dated June 3, 1988 (though referencing information from May 1980), details a UFO sighting near the Mariano Melgar Air Base in Peru. The report, marked "INFO REPORT, NOT FINALLY EVAL INTEL," describes an unidentified flying object spotted on two occasions. On May 9, 1980, FAP officers observed a round, hovering UFO near the airfield. The Air Commander scrambled an SU-22 for an intercept. According to a third party, the pilot intercepted and fired upon the UFO at close range without apparent damage, but the UFO outran the aircraft. A second sighting occurred during darkness on May 10, 1980, where a lighted vehicle was spotted. An SU-27 was scrambled, but the UFO again outran the aircraft. The report notes that discussions from other sources indicate a vehicle was spotted, but its origin remains unknown.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the nature of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), military intelligence gathering and reporting (MIJI), and the classification and release of sensitive information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The MIJI Quarterly focuses on electronic warfare threats like meaconing, intrusion, and jamming, indicating a military intelligence perspective on aerial phenomena. The NSA letter clearly articulates the government's stance on UFO information: it is generally classified, not segregable, and therefore not releasable under FOIA, with specific exceptions for Congressional inquiries. The editorial stance of the MIJI Quarterly appears to be one of reporting and analyzing military-relevant aerial events, while the NSA's stance is one of strict adherence to classification protocols for national security reasons.

This document contains two distinct reports related to Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sightings, originating from the Department of Defense JCS Message Center and the National Military Command Center (NMCC).

JCS Message Center Report (May 27, 1986)

This report, dated May 27, 1986, details a significant event that occurred over Brazil on the night of May 19, 1986. It describes multiple unidentified objects observed by various radar systems and aircrews. The message originates from the USDAO Brasilia to the MASKOC/DC-4A/AT-5 and INTO USDAO Rio de Janeiro.

Key Incident Details:

• Date: Night of May 19, 1986.
• Location: Skies over Brazil, with specific mentions of areas between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, near Brasilia, and near Santa Cruz and Aka Polis.
• Observations: At least 20 unidentified objects were observed. The first sighting was by the pilot of a Xingu aircraft. Subsequently, fighters were launched from Santa Cruz AFB approximately at 2100 hours.
• Object Characteristics: One pilot described the objects as red, white, and green lights. They were seen at an altitude of 20,000 feet.
• Radar Contact: Multiple radar systems made contact with the objects. Three Mirages were launched from Aka Polis AB after radar contact was made with similar objects near Brasilia.
• Interception Attempts: BAF (Brazilian Air Force) fighters were unable to intercept the objects. While radar contact was positive, visual confirmation was limited.
• Disappearance: The objects rapidly disappeared from both ground and airborne radars.
• Official Statements: The Air Minister was quoted by the press stating that there were three groups of targets on the ground radar and that the scopes of the airborne radars were saturated.
• Commentary: The report includes a comment stating, "WHILE RO DOES NOT BELIEVE IN UFO'S OR ALL THE HOOPLA THAT SURROUNDS PREVIOUS REPORTING, THERE IS TOO MUCH HERE TO BE IGNORED."

Distribution and Metadata:

The message includes extensive distribution information, indicating it was sent to various departments within the Department of Defense, including CJCS, MIDS, J5, SECDEF, USDP, ASD, and others. The message serial number is IIR & 809 0179 86, and it is marked as an "INFO REPORT, NOT FINALLY EVALUATED INTEL."

NMCC Memorandum for the Record (January 31, 1976)

This memorandum, dated January 31, 1976, from the National Military Command Center (NMCC), documents a UFO sighting reported to them.

Key Incident Details:

• Date: January 31, 1976, at 0430 EST to 0600 EST.
• Location: Near an Eglin AFB radar site, Florida.
• Reporting Party: MG Lane, Commander of the Armament and Development Test Center at Eglin AFB, Florida, reported the sighting via telephone.
• Observations: Security Policemen spotted lights from what they described as a UFO.
• Documentation: Photographs of the lights were taken.
• Information Release: The Eglin Office of Information made a press release on the UFO.
• Environmental Conditions: A temperature inversion analysis indicated no significant inversion at Eglin AFB at that time. The inversion present was due to radiation from the surface to 2500 feet. Surface conditions included clear skies, 10-14 miles visibility, calm winds, shallow ground fog on the runway, and a surface temperature of 44 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Author: The memorandum was prepared by Fred A. Tretz, Brigadier General, USAF, Deputy Director for Operations (NMCC).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The documents highlight the military's engagement with and reporting of UFO phenomena, even if with a degree of skepticism, as indicated by the comment in the Brazil report. Both reports focus on radar and visual sightings, with attempts at interception and subsequent rapid disappearances of the objects. The NMCC report also includes an analysis of atmospheric conditions, suggesting a scientific approach to evaluating such events. The overall stance appears to be one of serious reporting and investigation, despite potential underlying skepticism.