SUNlite - Vol 04 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: SUNlite
Issue: Volume 4 Number 4
Date: July-August 2012
Publisher: SUNlite
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of SUNlite, subtitled "Shedding some light on UFOlogy and UFOs," focuses heavily on the Roswell incident, presenting a critical examination of common narratives and the perspectives of both proponents and skeptics. The cover features a quote by Charles Ziegler analyzing the Roswell myth and the role of the ufologist.

Main Articles and Content

Do Roswell Crashologists Have Project MOGUL Nightmares?

The editorial expresses frustration with the repetitive nature of Roswell discussions and the tendency of proponents to dismiss evidence or create elaborate conspiracies. The author notes the lack of UFO sightings during the Venus transit of the sun, questioning the claimed frequency of UFOs. The magazine's format has been changed to a single column for better readability. A correction is made regarding the date of the Chiles-Whitted fireball sighting (from 1947 to 1948).

Who's Blogging UFOs? Hot Topics and Varied Opinions

This section reviews various online discussions and articles related to UFOlogy:

• Anderson Cooper and MUFON: Discusses a TV program where MUFON's John Ventre argued for government cover-ups, countered by Cooper's skepticism. The discussion touches on the Manhattan Project and Soviet espionage.
• Billy Cox: Critiques Cox's argument that pilots' sightings of sprites imply UFOs are also real, suggesting that individual events need case-by-case evaluation and questioning why Cox doesn't list instances where pilots were wrong.
• Jack Brewer: Recommends a three-part series by Brewer on Dr. David Jacobs and alien abductions.
• Natalie Wolchover and Kentaro Mori: Notes an article in the Huffington Post quoting Mori and mentioning the Villas Boas incident.
• UFO Photographs: The author analyzes UFO photographs submitted by a reader, concluding they are likely reflections on an airplane windshield, pointing out the reflected aircraft registration number "N3939H."
• James Carrion: Discusses Carrion's blog theory that the UFO phenomenon originated as a means to convince the Soviets that the US had a new secret weapon, finding Carrion's presented evidence unconvincing.
• Astronomer/UFO Reports: Examines a video of apparent UFOs recorded by astronomers, noting discrepancies in the reported date and suggesting the objects are likely due to the moon's diurnal motion or camera artifacts, not actual UFOs.
• Missouri MUFON: Criticizes Missouri MUFON for allegedly trying to create a new UFO wave by misidentifying stars like Vega as UFOs, suggesting a lack of astronomical knowledge among some MUFON experts.
• Cosmic Exploration Conference: Questions the inclusion of only pro-UFO speakers at a conference in Las Vegas, noting the absence of skeptics and the token inclusion of an astronomer.
• Roger Marsh and MUFON Symposium: Expresses skepticism about Roger Marsh's announcement of "blockbuster UFO discoveries" at the MUFON symposium, suspecting it's a marketing tactic.
• Donald Ecsedy: Mentions Ecsedy's blog discussing the Rhodes photographs and Roswell accounts, disagreeing with his comparison to the sea monster hoax.
• Russian Missile Launch: Identifies a UFO video as a likely rocket launch, lamenting a lack of learning from previous similar cases.
• Nick Pope: Critiques Nick Pope's suggestion that aliens might use the Olympics for an invasion, questioning the timing and Pope's apparent desire for media attention.
• Lens Flare Misidentification: Points out instances where individuals promoted photographs of lens flares as UFOs, missing obvious light sources.
• Joe Capp: Responds to Joe Capp's complaints about "old school" debunkers, arguing that UFOlogists need better evidence and should stop presenting the same "worthless data," citing game camera footage of lights likely caused by internal LEDs.

The Roswell Corner: Mean Old Skeptics!

This section addresses Kevin Randle's criticism of skeptics. The author defends skepticism as a rational approach that seeks mundane explanations for phenomena. The discussion revisits the infamous "nun's diary" from "The truth about the UFO crash at Roswell," questioning its authenticity and Randle's recent statements about its whereabouts.

Where Were the B-29s?

An examination of newspaper archives reveals that on July 2nd, 1947, twenty-seven B-29s were in Amarillo, with some scheduled to return to Roswell on July 4th. The article questions how a "massive military cover-up operation" could occur at Roswell Army Air Field and the crash site if a significant portion of the base's aircraft and personnel were away participating in air shows for the 4th of July celebration. The absence of mention of the town's 4th of July celebration in relation to the military activity is also noted.

The Roswell Time Line

This section reconstructs a timeline of the Roswell incident based on media accounts and witness testimonies, aiming for a more objective view than speculative narratives. It highlights discrepancies in dates and accounts:

• Discovery: Two versions of the discovery date exist: the RAAF press release and Mack Brazel's account. Brazel's testimony suggests the debris was found on June 14th, with the initial press release being a misinterpretation of the recovery timing.
• June 14th: Mack Brazel reportedly discovered the debris field at 7 PM, seven miles south of his ranch. He collected a small piece and took it to his ranch house.
• July 4th: Brazel and his family (wife, Vernon, and daughter Betty) returned to the field to collect more debris, bundling tinfoil, wooden beams, and synthetic rubber.
• July 5th: While in Corona, Brazel learned about the "flying saucer" stories in the newspapers, possibly connecting them to his find.
• Trip to Town and Back: There is conflicting testimony about when Mack Brazel came into town to report his find. While some accounts suggest Sunday, the predominant date is Monday. He reported finding an object that seemed like "tinfoil" and possibly a weather meter, described as being about the size of a safe. Sheriff Wilcox contacted the RAAF, leading to Major Jesse Marcel and another individual visiting Brazel and then going to the ranch.
• Retrieval of the Debris: Accounts differ on whether Marcel and his companions went to the debris field on Monday evening or the following day. Testimony suggests they spent a couple of hours on Monday afternoon looking for more debris, finding tinfoil and rubber. The debris was then taken to the ranch house. Jesse Marcel Sr. later described the debris as foil-like, tough, structural beams, and black plastic material.
• Jesse's Return to Base: Marcel arrived home late on Monday. He brought the debris into his kitchen, where his family saw it. Jesse Jr. and Viaud Marcel recall the debris being messy and some possibly being swept out the back door. The amount of debris was described as not much more than what could fit on a room's floor.
• Morning Meeting and Trip to Fort Worth: On Tuesday morning, Marcel reported the discovery to Col. William H. Blanchard, who then reported it to General Ramey. The debris was ordered to be flown to Fort Worth. Two collections of debris are mentioned: one gathered by Brazel and his family, and a second batch recovered by Brazel, Marcel, and Cavitt. The article notes that at the time, few knew what a "flying disc" was, and the material was likely perceived as balloon and radar reflector material.
• The Press Release: While Marcel was en route to Fort Worth, Lt. Walter Haut issued a press release from Roswell Army Air Field announcing the recovery of a "flying disc." This release, issued after lunch, caused a stir and led to reprimands from Washington. The article suggests Haut may have acted on his own initiative.
• The Press Conference: General Ramey was caught off guard by the media's knowledge of the debris. He stated he had not seen the object himself but described it as about 25 feet in diameter. He indicated it would be shipped to Wright Field, Ohio, after meteorological examination. Photography and access were denied due to a "security lid" from Washington.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical stance towards many UFOlogy claims, particularly those surrounding the Roswell incident. It emphasizes the need for rigorous evidence, critical analysis, and the consideration of mundane explanations. The editorial highlights the tendency of some ufologists to engage in speculation and conspiracy theories while dismissing contradictory evidence. The magazine appears to advocate for a more grounded and evidence-based approach to the study of UFO phenomena, encouraging readers to question sensational claims and to examine historical accounts critically.

This issue of "UFO Crash at Roswell" (Volume: July 1947, Issue: 133) delves deeply into the controversial Roswell incident, presenting a detailed examination of witness testimonies, media coverage, and the ongoing debate between the weather balloon explanation and the alien spaceship crash theory. The cover art dramatically depicts "The Thunderstorm That Shot Down a UFO."

The Press Conference and Conflicting Accounts

The article details the events surrounding the press conference where debris from the alleged crash was displayed. Jesse Marcel is quoted describing the object as "the remnant of a weather balloon and a radar reflector." Jay Bond Johnson of the Fort Worth Star Telegram is identified as a reporter present, photographing the debris. However, conflicting accounts emerge regarding a potential switch of the debris. Walter Haut is cited as stating that Marcel told him the wreckage was switched with a weather balloon before the press conference. Conversely, Thomas Dubose, in an interview with Jamie Shandera, vehemently denies any switch, asserting that the material shown was the actual debris brought from Roswell and that they were under orders from Washington to examine it.

Media Coverage and Witness Testimonies

The role of the media is explored, with specific mention of reporters like Jay Bond Johnson and W. E. Whitmore, who is described as having "practically kidnapped" Mack Brazel, the rancher who found the debris. The article notes that Brazel's account of finding rubber and tin foil is not reflected in the quantity of debris displayed, suggesting he may have been coached. The timeline of events, including when news hit the wire and when interviews took place, is analyzed to understand the media's involvement and the potential for manipulation.

The Thunderstorm Hypothesis

A significant portion of the issue investigates the theory that a thunderstorm may have caused the crash. The article examines various accounts, including Jesse Marcel's recollection of an "odd explosion" during an electrical storm. However, extensive research into meteorological records from July 1947, including data from the Albuquerque Journal and the Monthly Weather Review, reveals a lack of significant thunderstorm activity in the vicinity of the Foster Ranch between July 2nd and July 4th, the period when the event supposedly occurred. The article concludes that the weather records do not support the thunderstorm claim, suggesting it is unlikely to have been the cause.

The 'Cluster of Balloons' Hypothesis

Another prominent section addresses the "cluster of balloons" hypothesis, particularly concerning NYU flight #4. The article discusses arguments raised by UFOlogists questioning the existence and nature of this flight, as well as the wind data supporting a trajectory to the Foster Ranch. Professor Charles Moore's interpretation of Dr. Crary's journal entries is presented, suggesting flight #4 was planned but possibly delayed or canceled due to clouds. The debate centers on whether the flight consisted of balloons with only a microphone or also included radar reflectors. The article acknowledges that the flight path is contentious, with accusations of data falsification, but also notes that computed trajectories could potentially include the Foster Ranch. The description of the recovered debris by Mack Brazel is considered a potential coincidence with the description of an NYU team balloon train made up of neoprene balloons and radar reflectors.

Conspiracies, Lies, and Subterfuge

The concluding section, "Conspiracies, lies, and subterfuge...oh my!", frames the Roswell incident as a case where proponents see a massive cover-up machine at work, while skeptics require "solid and verifiable documentation" of an alien spaceship crash, which they argue is currently missing. The article implies that the persistent belief in an alien crash, despite evidence to the contrary, is akin to other conspiracy theories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the conflicting narratives surrounding the Roswell incident, the role of the media and official explanations versus witness testimonies, and the scientific investigation of alternative hypotheses like weather balloons, thunderstorms, and experimental balloon flights. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical analysis, presenting various viewpoints and evidence, while leaning towards skepticism regarding the alien spaceship theory and highlighting the lack of conclusive proof. The article emphasizes the importance of verifiable documentation and challenges unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 28, Issue 20, published in 2004, focuses on the Roswell incident, specifically examining the evolution of testimonies regarding the crash site and its materials. The cover headline is 'The crash site and the materials'.

The Gouge/Debris Field

The article critically analyzes the accounts of the Foster Ranch debris field, contrasting early witness statements with later interpretations. In the late 1970s, interviews with Jesse Marcel Sr., Bill Brazel, and Bessie Brazel did not mention a gouge. Jesse Marcel Sr. described the wreckage as having exploded above ground and scattered, with no fresh impact depressions found. Bill Brazel noted singed vegetation but no burned spot, and Bessie Brazel described 'so much debris scattered over pasture land.'

However, by the late 1980s, investigators Kevin Randle and Don Schmitt popularized the idea of a gouge, with Bill Brazel later recalling a huge impact gouge that took over a year to heal. The article points out that Randle and Schmitt misrepresented Marcel's statement about the gouge and rotated the debris field's orientation. Leonard Stringfield's 'Crash retrieval syndrome' paper also described the event as a 'violent aerial explosion,' mirroring Marcel's early accounts. A later taped interview with Jesse Marcel Sr. from 1980 reportedly mentioned a gouge, but the text was never seen, and the article suggests this contradicts Marcel's consistent statements about the lack of hard impact evidence.

Looking for the Evidence

Two scientific attempts to study the crash site have yielded no significant findings. In September 1989, CUFOS conducted a study documented in 'UFO crash at Roswell,' finding nothing significant. In 2002, Dr. Bill Doleman led a dig funded by the Sci-Fi channel, which uncovered a V-shaped anomaly in the earth. However, this anomaly was found to be superficial and faded over time, suggesting it was not a preserved impact mark. Dr. Doleman's investigation did not recover any unusual debris.

The Unbreakable Materials

Proponents often highlight descriptions of unbreakable and self-healing materials. However, the article questions how such materials could shatter into small pieces and why the craft did not heal itself. It notes that no scraps of these exotic materials were retained, and the description of small fragments suggests a more mundane source.

Collecting All the Pieces

The military's collection of debris is discussed, with the article noting that even in cases like the A-12 aircraft crash, where extensive efforts were made to hide the impact site, fragments were still found. Dr. Doleman's dig also collected objects, but none were found to be unusual.

State of the Foster Ranch Debris Site

To date, two scientific expeditions (CUFOS and Sci-Fi channel) have found nothing unusual. The article concludes that the debris field was likely composed of earthly debris scattered over a few hundred yards, and the lack of physical evidence for exotic materials and a gouge suggests they may never have existed.

Debris Field Simulation

The article addresses the argument that there wouldn't be enough debris for the Project MOGUL explanation. It analyzes witness descriptions, noting that terms like 'scattered' do not imply a dense concentration. A scale simulation was performed based on Mack Brazel's description of a 200-yard diameter area, concluding that 'scattered' is an accurate description.

10% vs 20% vs 30%?

This section discusses the percentage of UFO reports that are identified as IFOs (Identified Flying Objects). It notes that UFOlogists often prefer lower IFO rates, but argues that even with a 75% IFO rate, there would still be a significant number of unexplained sightings. The author suggests that many unexplained UFO reports might be IFOs that are yet to be identified, and that convincing evidence of UCOUCs (Unknown Craft Operating Under Intelligent Control) is lacking.

An Interesting UFO Report

A report from June 14th-16th by an individual in Tecopa, California, described a flashing light moving near the constellation of Libra. Similar reports from Montreal and Texas were also noted. The author identifies these as geosynchronous satellites (NStar-B), confusing the Earth's rotation with the satellite's motion.

Balloon Material Testing - Part I

This section details experiments conducted to test the properties of balloon material, specifically neoprene. The tests involved exposing strips of balloon material to sunlight in New Hampshire and Florida to simulate conditions. The material changed color from tan to gray/brown and became brittle and flaked after prolonged exposure, consistent with Professor Charles Moore's observations. However, the material underneath, shielded from direct sunlight, retained its original color and elasticity. The tests concluded that the material did not turn to ash and did not become brittle or flake within a few hours of sunlight exposure, contradicting some Roswell proponent claims.

Preliminary Conclusions

Based on the balloon material tests and comparison with photographs of alleged Roswell debris, the author concludes that the material in the photographs is not from a balloon exposed to the sun for a few hours, as it appears too brittle and is flaking. Shielded parts of the material in the tests maintained a fresh appearance, confirming the 'mottled' appearance described by Professor Moore. The tests did not support claims that balloons turn to ash or become brittle quickly. After a month, some material resembled parchment and was porous, while other parts felt like rubber, aligning with descriptions by Bessie and Mack Brazel.

The Ignored Testimonies of Roswell

This section highlights testimonies that are often overlooked or downplayed by investigators. Bessie Brazel's account is presented as more consistent than her brother's. She described the debris as pieces of heavily waxed paper and aluminum-like foil with markings, tape with flower-like designs, and sticks, stating it was definitely not a balloon. Her affidavit described pieces of a large balloon that had burst, with foil-like and rubber-like material, grayish-silver in color, attached with tape featuring faint flower designs. She recalled no gouges or signs of hard impact.

Lorenzo Kimball, former base medical supply officer at Roswell, stated that medical officers spent time at the pool and officer's club, and that Major Jack Comstock confirmed no unusual activity at the base hospital. Kimball also mentioned the formation of a football team as a significant event.

Interviews with pilots and navigators of the 509th Bomb Group by Kent Jeffrey revealed that most felt the Roswell incident was ridiculous and that nothing out of the ordinary happened. They had heard nothing about a crashed saucer at the time, and the inside word was that the debris was from a downed balloon. None recalled any knowledge of a crashed saucer or unusual material, and they considered the 509th a close-knit group where such an event could not have occurred without their knowledge.

If you aren't with us...

This section criticizes how Roswell crash proponents sometimes demonize witnesses or twist their responses to fit their narrative, portraying them unfairly.

Where are the private records?

The article questions the lack of photographic evidence and personal records (letters, diaries, newspaper clippings) to support the Roswell story. While photographs of Mack Brazel exist, there are none of the alleged gouge, military activity, trucks, or checkpoints. The absence of such documentation suggests that the events may have been more mundane than exotic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the critical examination of the Roswell incident's narrative, particularly the discrepancies between early witness accounts and later interpretations. The editorial stance appears to be skeptical, favoring evidence-based analysis and questioning claims that lack substantiation, such as the existence of exotic materials and a significant gouge. The article emphasizes the importance of overlooked testimonies and the lack of corroborating evidence, suggesting that the Roswell event may be explained by more conventional phenomena and human memory biases.

This issue of the magazine delves into the controversial aspects of the Roswell Incident and related UFO phenomena, focusing on accusations against military personnel, the selective presentation of evidence in books, and the symbolic use of alien imagery within the Air Force.

White Hats and Black Hats: Who are the real villains of Roswell?

This section scrutinizes the actions of military personnel during the Roswell Incident, as described in various books. The central theme is that military personnel allegedly terrorized civilians and destroyed personal property. Books like "The truth about the UFO crash at Roswell" and "Crash at Corona" are cited for their accusations. The soldiers are said to have directed the sheriff to limit information and refer all calls to the base, with implied consequences for non-compliance. Furthermore, military personnel allegedly demanded the return of debris collected by boys, and even made death threats towards witnesses, particularly those who claimed to have seen bodies. The military reportedly kept civilians under surveillance, threatened them with jail, and even hinted at jeopardizing their families. Reporters' notes were also reported missing. The tactics evolved from simple requests for return of items and coercion to death threats and property damage, with ranchers being forced to inform on each other. The author compares this behavior to war atrocities, questioning the origin and orders of the "goon squad."

Naming Names

The only named individual from the alleged "goon squad" is Lt. Arthur Philbin, who is deceased. Research suggests he was a security officer with the 390th Air Service Squadron, part of the 509th Bomb Group. He is described as tall, dark, with wide shoulders, and ran the guard house, having a reputation as a tough guy. His photograph from the 1947 RAAF yearbook was used to identify him to a witness, Frankie Dwyer Rowe, who circled his picture as the person who confronted her.

Ultimate Responsibility

This part of the article discusses who should be held responsible for the alleged despicable acts. It posits that in any military command, the actions of any soldier are the responsibility of the commanding officer. Therefore, the ultimate responsibility is placed on two individuals: the man responsible for the military police's actions and the officer who must accept ultimate responsibility. According to Roswell folklore, these are Edwin Easley and William Blanchard. The article argues that claiming to act under orders or for national security is not a valid excuse without written authority. It states that Blanchard and Easley are responsible whether the soldiers acted on their own or under orders, as they should have punished them or reported the incidents. Their inaction or actions are seen as indicating they were "the bad guys."

Did it really happen?

This section questions the veracity of the claims, suggesting that proponents and witnesses should reconsider the implications. The author finds it hard to believe that Blanchard and Easley would condone such actions without good reason and notes the lack of documentation. The author concludes that either great military crimes were committed, or the stories are based on the testimony of a few people with dubious intentions who sought to smear the reputation of military personnel.

The omission and editing of documents in Roswell books

This section highlights how authors of early Roswell books have allegedly misrepresented or omitted information from key documents, suggesting an intent to deceive readers. The article points out specific instances:

The Roswell Incident

The book "The Roswell Incident" allegedly shows the Twining memo of September 23, 1947, but edits out critical sections, specifically point 2.e. which discusses the possibility of domestic origin for the objects, the lack of physical evidence from crash recoveries, and the possibility of foreign nations possessing advanced propulsion.

UFO Crash at Roswell

In "UFO Crash at Roswell," the Twining memo is briefly described, focusing only on the conclusion that "flying disks" were "real," while omitting the mention of the lack of physical evidence. The FBI Telex is mentioned but the section about the balloon is not presented.

The truth about the UFO crash at Roswell

This book presents the Twining memo and offers an explanation for the omitted section: that Twining was "out of the loop." It also lists the FBI memo but does not discuss its implications.

Crash at Corona

"Crash at Corona" briefly mentions the Twining memo but omits the lack of physical evidence. The FBI telex is not mentioned. The book discusses the Schulgen memo, but it is presented as a hoaxed memo. An October 7, 1948 memo from Colonel McCoy is mentioned, but a subsequent memo from November 8, 1948, which states that tangible evidence to support the possibility of objects being from another planet is lacking, is omitted. McCoy's letter suggests that Roswell did not involve an alien spaceship crash, or that he was lying to a superior officer.

More of the same

The author argues that the failure to mention these documents or omit pertinent sections demonstrates an intent to deceive. This is seen as a violation of Stanton Friedman's rule for debunkers: "What the public doesn't know, I am not going to tell them."

Little Green Men in Blue (or, How the Air Force Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love ET)

By Peter W. Merlin, this article explores the Air Force's historical stance on UFOs and the shift towards incorporating alien themes into military culture, particularly through patches.

The Air Force hated ET.

For decades, UFO believers accused the Air Force of a massive cover-up. Stanton Friedman famously criticized the U.S. Air Force for lying to the public about UFOs. Requests for information on UFOs and alleged extraterrestrial beings had become an irritant to Air Force public relations.

The alien showed up.

The article describes a shoulder patch created for members of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base. The patch featured an alien eating a B-2 stealth bomber, with the words "Classified Flight Test" and "Gustatus Similis Pullus" (Tastes Like Chicken). The 509th Bomb Wing has historical ties to Roswell, having been involved in dropping the atomic bombs on Japan and later moving to Roswell, New Mexico.

Seeking the Truth

Independent researcher Dennis Balthaser investigated the 509th Bomb Wing's involvement with the Roswell Incident after seeing the alien patch. His Freedom of Information Act requests to the Air Force were initially met with unsatisfactory results. However, AFFTC historian Dr. Raymond Puffer provided some information, though he believed the patch was unofficial and privately made.

Agreeing to Disagree

The author, Peter W. Merlin, shared information about the patch with Balthaser, explaining it was likely made for radar cross-section (RCS) measurement tests near Groom Lake (Area 51). Merlin noted design variations and that the original "Classified Flight Test" patch may have been banned. He also explained that patches for classified programs require security review. Merlin suggested the B-2 Combined Test Force produced a new version replacing "Classified Flight Test" with "To Serve Man," a Twilight Zone episode title, and that a T-shirt featured an alien pointing to the sky with "The Truth is out THERE!" Balthaser saw this as a sign of government disclosure, while Merlin argued the Air Force was joining in on the joke. They agreed to disagree on the significance of the patch.

Alien Invasion

Merlin provided Balthaser with images of other military patches with an ET theme, noting a trend. Examples include patches from the Air Force Test Pilot School, the 3rd Space Operations Squadron, and the TENCAP office, all featuring aliens. These patches, some with slogans like "The Truth Is Out There," suggest a growing acceptance or incorporation of ET imagery within the military.

My Favorite Martian

This section details the use of alien and "Martian" themes in military patches, particularly those related to classified projects.

"Martians" and the F3XP Program

During the 1980s, a secret program known as F3XP was established to repair the F-117A stealth fighter's radar absorbent coatings. Personnel assigned to this program were officially corrosion control specialists and sheet metal technicians. Because the organization's abbreviated name was MARS, these personnel called themselves "Martians" and designed a patch with a green creature with antennae, a nod to the "Kilroy Was Here" graffiti.

Lockheed's U-2A Spy Plane and ADARP Program

Lockheed's U-2A spy plane underwent testing at Area 51 in the 1950s. A recent modernization program for the U-2S involved new control actuators. The Actuator Development and Replacement Program (ADARP) patch features a gray alien face superimposed over a black mountain peak, a dramatic emblem for a mundane program.

Alien Technology Exploitation Division Patch

Another notable patch is from the Alien Technology Exploitation Division, featuring a gray alien with a collar and chain, and a Klingon motto "YltlhobQo' Jay" ("Don't Ask!"). Robert Fabian designed this patch as a joke for a classified unit working in a secure facility. The patch was worn informally before being noticed by a Brigadier General.

B-2 Patches

Recent patches for classified test programs involving the B-2 also feature aliens, continuing the trend. The author suggests that the Air Force has "finally learned to love ET."

1996 Yukon UFO: CASE CLOSED!

This section re-examines the 1996 Yukon UFO event, which was considered a top UFO case by some, including Stanton Friedman. The UFO was described as a "mothership" and investigated by multiple witnesses. However, the article concludes that the sighting was likely the re-entry of a Russian rocket booster (Cosmos 2335), which launched less than 24 hours prior. The re-entry occurred north of the Yukon witnesses and would have been visible. The coincidence of the timing and path is considered too obvious to ignore, explaining what was previously considered a significant UFO case.

UFOs on the tube

This section reviews the television program "Chasing UFOs: Stephenville."

Chasing UFOs: Stephenville

The author expresses skepticism about the program, led by James Fox, believing Fox blindly accepts UFO stories. The other investigators were Ben McGee (skeptic) and Erin Ryder (technical expert). The first investigation covered a video of a flickering light shot by Constable Leeroy Gaitan, which the author dismisses as a scintillating star. The program then moved to a town meeting in Dublin, Texas, where unrelated stories were told. Kacey Simmons presented videos of UFO lights, which the author likens to 1997 Arizona UFO 10 PM event videos proven to be flares dropped by the Maryland ANG, noting Simmons' location is near the Brownwood Military Operating Area. The team then set up to record UFOs in the dark, eventually seeing a flashing light that seemed to change shape. Steve Allen, a Stephenville witness, was interviewed, and a test with aircraft in formation suggested multiple aircraft could appear as a single object, but the program implied Allen's sighting was close, ruling this out. The author notes the program failed to mention F-16 jets in the area or their anti-collision strobes. Mauricio Ruiz's video of a UFO looking like a model was met with skepticism. Ricky Sorrels' story was also deemed questionable. The team also searched for fragments of a 1891 UFO crash in the dark, recording lights that Ryder thought looked like a flying saucer, but the author suggests it was a reflection or suspended in power lines. The author criticizes the program for not having a true skeptic like McGee with influence and for being a rehash of "UFO Hunters."

Book Reviews

This section provides brief reviews of several UFO-related books.

UFO crash at Roswell

Recommended ("Buy it!"), this book by Benson, Saler, Ziegler, and Moore is criticized for Charles Moore's chapter on NYU balloon flights, which contained errors. However, the other chapters are considered valid observations, and Moore's section is seen as conveying a convincing argument that the debris was from an NYU flight.

The Roswell dig diaries

Recommended for borrowing ("Borrow it."), this book by Doleman, Carey, and Schmitt is considered a prime "bin it" candidate without Dr. Doleman's contribution. Doleman provides important information regarding the dig site and findings. The reader is advised to ignore sections written by Schmitt and Carey.

Crash at Corona

Recommended for recycling ("Bin it!"), this book by Stanton Friedman and Don Berlinner is considered to add nothing to the Roswell story. It is based on two discredited items: the witness Gerald Anderson, shown to be dishonest, and the MJ-12 fiasco. The book also includes quotes from the fake Schulgen memo, indicating the authors were not critical in their writing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the alleged misconduct of military personnel during the Roswell Incident, the critical examination of how UFO-related books present evidence (particularly through document omission and editing), and the evolving symbolism of UFOs and aliens within the U.S. Air Force, as exemplified by military patches. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalized UFO claims and a critical approach to the sources and narratives presented in UFO literature, while also acknowledging the historical significance and ongoing public fascination with the Roswell Incident. The author questions the veracity of certain accounts and highlights instances of alleged deception or misrepresentation by UFO researchers and authors.