FOIA # 10

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Document #: 10

From: UFO INFO SERVICE
Date Sent: 06-10-1986
Subject: 1975 MAELSTROM AFB, MT.

CUFON - UFO INFORMATION SERVICE SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT DOCUMENT FILES

24th NORAD Region Senior Director's Log (maelstrom AFB, Montana).

10 NOV 75 (1125Z) - UFO sighting reported by Minot Air Force Station, a

bright star-like object in the west, moving east, about the size of a car. First seen approximately 1015Z. Approximately 1120Z, the object passed over the radar station, 1,000 feet to 2,000 feet high, no noise heard. Three people from the site or local area saw the object. NCOC notified.

2. HQ USAF/DADF also forwarded a copy of a NORAD document for a review for possible downgrade and release. We have determined the document is properly and currently classified and is exempt from disclosure under public law 90-23, 5 USC 552b(1).
   
   
3. The decision to withhold release of this document may be appealed in writing to the Secretary of the Air Force within 45 days from the date of this letter. If you appeal, include any reasons for reconsideration you wish to present and attach a copy of this letter. Address your letter as

follows

Secretary of the Air Force, thru HQ ADCOM/DAD, Peterson AFB CO 80914.

FOIA # 11

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Document #: 11

From: UFO INFO SERVICE
Date Sent: 06-10-1986
Subject: 1980 KIRTLAND AFB, NM

CUFON - UFO INFORMATION SERVICE SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

1. On 2 Sept 80, SOURCE related on 8 Aug 80, three Security Policemen assigned to 1608 SPS, KAFB, NM, on duty inside the Manzano Weapons Storage Area sighted an unidentified light in the air that traveled from North to South over the Coyote Canyon area of the Department of Defence Restricted Test Range on KAFB, NM. The Security Policemen identified as: SSGT STEPHEN FERENZ, Area Supervisor, ATC MARTIN W. RIST and AMN ANTHONY D. FRAZIER, were later interviewed separately by SOURCE and all three related the same statement; at approximately 2350 hrs., while on duty in Charlie Sector, East Side of Manzano, the three observed a very bright light in the sky approximately 3 miles North-North East of their position. The light traveled with great speed and stopped suddenly in the sky over Coyote Canyon. The three first thought the object was a helicopter, however, after observing the strange aerial manoeuvres (stop and go), they felt a helicopter couldn't have performed such skills. The light landed in the Coyote Canyon area. Sometime later, three witnessed the light take off and leave proceeding straight up at a high speed and disappear.
2. Central Security Control (CSC) inside Manzano, contacted Sandia Security, who conducts frequent building checks on two alarmed structures in area. They advised that a patrol was already in the area and would investigate.
3. On 11 Aug 80, RUSS CURTIS, Sandia Security, advised that on 9 Aug80, a Sandia Security Guard, (who wishes his name not be divulged for fear of harassment), related the following: At approximately 0020 hrs., he was driving east on the Coyote Canyon access road on a routine building check of an alarmed structure. As he approached the structure he observed a bright light near the ground behind the structure. He also observed an object he first thought was a helicopter. But after driving closer, he observed a round disk shaped object. He attempted to radio for backup patrol but his radio would not work. As he approached the object on foot armed with a shotgun, the object took off in a vertical direction at a high rate of speed. The guard was a former helicopter mechanic in the U.S. Army and stated the object he observed was not a helicopter.
4. SOURCE advised on 22 Aug 80, three other security policemen observed he same aerial phenomena described by the first three. Again the object landed in Coyote Canyon. They did not see the object take off.

FOIA # 12

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Document #: 12

From: UFO INFO SERVICE
Date Sent: 06-10-1986
Subject: 1980 KIRTLAND AFB, NM.

CUFON - UFO INFORMATION SERVICE SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT DOCUMENT FILES

CONTINUED FROM COMPLAL FORM 1, DTD 9 Sept 80

5. Coyote Canyon is part of a large restricted test range used by the Air Force Weapons Laboratory, Sandia Laboratories, Defence Nuclear Agency and the Department of Energy. The range was formerly patrolled by Sandia Security, however, they only conduct building checks there now.
   
   
6. On 10 Aug 80, a New Mexico State Patrolman sighted an aerial object land in the Manzano's between Belen and Albuquerque, NM. The Patrolman reported the sighting to the Kirtland AFB Command Post, who later referred the patrolman to the AFOSI Dist 17. AFOSI Dist 17 advised the patrolman to make a report through his own agency. On 11 Aug 80, the Kirtland Public Information office advised the patrolman the USAF no longer investigates such sighting unless they occur on a USAF base.
   
   
7. WRITER contacted all the agencies who utilized the test range and it was learned no aerial tests are conducted in the Coyote Canyon area. Only ground test are conducted.
   
   
8. On 8 Sept 80, WRITER learned from Sandia Security that another Security guard observed a object land near an alarmed structure sometime during the first week of August, but did not report it until just recently for fear of harassment.
   
   
9. The two alarmed structures located within the area contain HQ CR 44 material.

DISTRICT FILE NO
8017D93-0/29

FOIA # 13

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Document #: 13

From: UFO INFO SERVICE
Date Sent: 06-10-1986
Subject: 1980 KIRTLAND AFB, NM

CUFON - UFO INFORMATION SERVICE SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

1. On 13 Aug 80, 1960 COMMSq Maintenance Officer reported Radar Approach Control equipment and scanner radar inoperative due to high frequency jamming from an unknown cause. Total blackout of entire radar approach system to include Albuquerque Airport was in effect between 1630-2215 hrs. Radar Approach Control back up system also were inoperative.
   
   
2. On 13 Aug 80, Defense Nuclear Agency Radio Frequency Monitors determined, by vector analysis, the interference was being sent from an area (V-90 degrees or due East). On DAF map coordinates E-28.6. The area was located NW of Coyote Canyon Test area. It was first thought that Sandia Laboratory, which utilizes the test range was responsible. However, after a careful check, it was later determined that no test were being conducted in the canyon area. Department of Energy, Air Force Weapons Laboratory and DNA were contacted but assured that their agencies were not responsible.
   
   
3. On 13 Aug 80, Base Security Police conducted a physical check of the area but because of the mountainous terrain, a thorough check could not be completed at that time. A later foot search failed to disclose anything that could have caused the interference.
   
   
4. On 13 Aug 80, at 2216 hrs., all radar equipment returned to normal operation without further incident.
   
   
5. CONCLUSION: The presence of hostile intelligence jamming cannot be ruled out. Although no evidence would suggest this, the method has been used in the past. Communication maintenance specialists cannot explain how such interference could cause the radar equipment to become totally inoperative. Neither could they suggest the type or range of the interference signal. DNA frequency monitors reported the interference beam was wide spread and a type unknown to their electronically equipment. Further checks of the area was being conducted by Technical Services, AFOSI.
   
   
6. High command interest item. Briefings requested IAW AFOSIR 124-4 be completed at HQ AFOSI/IVOE. HQ CR 44 and 51 items.

FOIA # 14

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Document #: 14

From: UFO INFO SERVICE
Date Sent: 06-10-1986
Subject: 1980 PROJ. AQUARIUS DOC.

CUFON - UFO INFORMATION SERVICE SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

RTTEZYVW RUFLOJA9136

ZNY S E C R E T

GT
SECRET FOR AFOSI ONLY
R 171130Z NOV 80
FM HQ AFOSI BOLLING AFB DC//IVOE
TO RUWTFBA AFOSI DIST 17 KIRTLAND AFB NM//BID
INFO 7602 AINTELG FT BELVOIR VA//INSR
SECRET FOR AFOSI ONLY
Ref: Request for Photo Imagery Interpretation Your MSG 292030Z Oct 80.
Subject Case NR: 8017D93-126 HQ CR 44
1. Subject Negatives/Film were analyzed by HQ IVT and 7602 AINTELG, it
and the following results were found:

A. Negative #1: Depicting C-5A aircraft on approach and streaking unidentified aerial object in lower right portion of film. Film found to be unaltered. Size differential was not consistent with size of aircraft. Conclusion: Inconclusive

2. Negative #2: Depicting cylinder shaped unidentified aerial object in upper left portion of photo. Film found to be unaltered. Film showed object to be consistent with field depth and consistent with relative size

of fixed objects. Conclusion

Legitimate negative of unidentified aerial object. Bolton/Reinfeld method did not reveal visible markings on object.

3. Negative #3: Depicting irregular shaped unidentified aerial object in seven frames of 8MM film. Because of the size and apparent speed of object no further classification or conclusion could be drawn. Film shown to be unaltered.
4. 34 inches of 8MM film: Depicting apparent colored object moving in front of still camera. Film found to be unaltered. Spectrograph revealed colors to be basic prism features. Depth analysis revealed object to be within 152MM of camera. Object was not consistent with relative size of fixed objects observed for several seconds in film.

Conclusion: inconclusive.

5. Original Negative Depicting Unidentified Object: Film found to be unaltered. Because of a lack of fixed objects in the film, no depth analysis could be performed. Bolton, Reinfeld method revealed object to be saucer shaped, approximate diameter 37 feet. Object contained a trilateral insignia on the lower portion of object. Conclusion: Legitimate negative of unidentified aerial object.

2. Ref your request for further information regarding HQ CR 44, the

following is provided: Capt. Grace 7602 Aintelg, INS contacted and related following (S/WINTEL) USAF no longer publicly active in UFO research, however USAF still has interest in all UFO sightings over USAF installation/test ranges. Several other government agencies, lead by NASA, actively investigates legitimate sightings through covert cover. (S/WINTEL/FSA) One such cover is UFO Reporting Center, US Coast and Geodetic Survey, Rockville, MD 20852. NASA filters results of sightings to appropriate military departments with interest in that particular sighting. The official US Government Policy and results of project Aquarius is still classified top secret with no dissemination outside official intelligence channels and with restricted access to "MJ Twelve". Case on Bennewitz is being monitored by NASA, INS, who request all future evidence be forwarded to them thru AFOSI, IVOE.

4. Ref your request for technical assistance. Because of a chance of public disclosure, no knowledgeable personnel with SPA will be provided. Continue to receive assistance from individuals mentioned in your message, Miller, fugate. Because of the sensitivity of case, request they be thoroughly debriefed at regular intervals. BTS NNNS DOWNGRADE 17NOV2020

FOIA # 15

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Document #: 15

From: UFO INFO SERVICE
Date Sent: 06-10-1986
Subject: 1986 NSA REPLY AQUARIUS

CUFON - UFO INFORMATION SERVICE SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

This responds to your letter of 7 March 1986 in which you further narrowed your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for records pertaining to Project Aquarius.

The document located in response to your request as stated in your 7 March letter has been reviewed by this Agency as required by the FOIA and has been found to be currently and properly classified in accordance with Executive Order 12356. This document meets the criteria for classification as set forth in subparagraphs 2, 4, and 8 of section 1.3 and remains classified TOP SECRET as provided in section 1.1 of Executive Order 12356. The document is classified because its disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security. Because the document is currently and properly classified, it is exempt from disclosure pursuant to the first exemption of the FOIA (5 U.S.C. section 552(b) (1)).

In addition, this Agency is authorized by various statues to protect certain information concerning its activities. We have determined that such information exists in this document. Accordingly, those portions are also exempt from disclosure pursuant to the third exemption of the FOIA which provides for the withholding of information specifically protected from disclosure by statute. The specific statutes applicable in this case are Title 18 U.S. Code 798; Title 50 U.S. Code 403(d) (3); and Section 6, Public Law 86-36 (50 U.S. Code 402 "note").

No portion of the information is reasonably segregable. Since your request has been denied, you are hereby advised of this Agency's appeal procedures. Any person denied access to information may, within 45 days after notification of the denial, file an appeal to the NSA/CSS Freedom of Information Act Appeal Authority. The appeal shall be in writing addressed to the NSA/CSS FOIA Appeal Authority, National Security Agency, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755-6000. The appeal shall reference the initial denial of access and shall contain, in sufficient detail and particularity, the grounds upon which the requester believes release of the information is required. The NSA/CSS Appeal Authority shall respond to the appeal within 20 working days after receipt.

In your letter, you take exception to the amount requested by this Agency for manpower and computer search fees to process your original request for all information on Project Aquarius. Please be advised that NSA search and duplication fees are computed in accordance with guidance promulgated in sections 6-201 and 6-202 of Dod Directive 5400.7-R

FOIA # 16

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Document #: 16

From: UFO INFO SERVICE
Date Sent: 06-10-1986
Subject: 1983 P.L. CLARKE MEMO

CUFON - UFO INFORMATION SERVICE SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT DOCUMENT FILES

Dear Mr. Clarke

This is in reference to your Freedom of Information Act request of 18 November 1983 requesting access to information regarding photographs taken by Paul Bennewitz in 1980 near Kirtland AFB.

The only information we have in our files regarding this incident is a copy of a message, originator unknown, which apparently was placed in circulation in at least three cities in the U.S. This message discusses analysis of UFO photographs, and, while it does not mention who the photographer was, it does mention the name Bennewitz. The purported originator, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, has reviewed the message and confirmed that it is a hoax. While the Air Force Intelligence Service is listed as a recipient of the message, we have no record of ever receiving it from AFOSI. The copy which we have in our files was forwarded to us by the organization Citizens Against UFO Secrecy.

We are attaching a copy of the document as we received it. We have, however, removed the bogus security markings so as not to alarm any recipients. We are also attaching other documents created by this agency as a result of the bogus message. These documents have previously been released to the public through the Freedom of Information Act.

For your further information, this agency collected information on UFO sightings for a few years. However, our interest in this topic was discontinued in the mid-1970's and our UFO records were transferred to the General Services Administration for inclusion in Project Blue Book. These records are available for public inspection through the National Archives and Records Service, Modern Military Branch, 8th and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington DC 20408.

FOIA # 17

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Document #: 17

From: UFO INFO SERVICE
Date Sent: 06-10-1986
Subject: 1983 UNAUTHORIZED RELEASE

CUFON - UFO INFORMATION SERVICE SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Possible Unauthorized Release of Classified Material

INSA (MSgt Heldman) DA

1. Per our telephone conversation today, I am forwarding Mr Robert Todd's FOIA request along with the AFOSI message for determination as to classification level. As you can see, Mr Todd retyped the message "for easier reading." I have talked to AFOSI/DADF, Nadine Dulacki. According to her, they did not release the message to Mr Todd nor does she know how it came into his possession. Maj Kilikauskas (AFSAC/INOB, 664-4488) has looked at the message and he feels that it is a fake for several reasons:
   
   
   1. There never has been an office within AFSAC (or 7602nd) with the symbol INS, INSR, or IT.
      
      
   2. There has never been a "Capt Grace" (or anyone with the surname Grace) assigned to AFSAC.
      
      
   3. The purported imagery interpretation done is outside AFSAC's and AFOSI's mission. Further, AFSAC has no individuals who are photo interpreters.
      
      
   4. The term WNINTEL is spelled phonetically on each occurrence. OSI should certainly be familiar with the correct spelling. Further, the document is replete with grammatical errors, typing errors, and in general, makes no sense.
      
      
   5. The document is not in the standard, accepted format for classified messages.

Neither Maj Kilikauskas nor Mr Nehlig (who has worked in AFSAC many years) remember hearing of a "Project Aquarius." Further, Maj Kilikauskas had no idea if the information purported supplied by this Capt Grace is, in fact, classified at the Secret/WNINTEL level. He suggests that both NASA and Coast and Geodetic Survey be contacted to see if they have an interest in the message.

2. Finally, I have talked to Mr Earl Middaugh (AFOSI/IVOE, 767-5144). He remembers a FOIA request that his office staffed which involved an AFOSI message similar to this one. However, they were unable to identify it as OSI originated. He thinks perhaps this might be the same message. I have forwarded a copy of the Todd request to the AFOSI Freedom of Information Office (Bob Walker, 767-5262). Upon receipt both Mr Walker and Mr Middaugh will be better able to determine if this is a legitimate AFOSI document.
   
   
3. Until a determination is made, we will regard the document as classified.

FOIA # 18

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Document #: 18

From: UFO INFO SERVICE
Date Sent: 06-10-1986
Subject: 1986 NSA PROJ. AQUARIUS

CUFON - UFO INFORMATION SERVICE SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Dear Mr. ________________

This is in response to your Freedom of Information Act request of 8 January 1986 in which you request information on a group referred to as MJ12 or "Majestic 12" and Projects Sigma, Snowbird and Aquarius.

Please be advised that Sigma and Snowbird are not projects of this Agency, so we would have no records responsive to that portion of your request. In addition, no records were located relating to M12 or "Majestic 12."

An initial survey of materials responsive to that portion of your request dealing with Project Aquarius would result in search fees in excess of $15,000 for manpower and computer costs. Our search would be facilitated and the search fees may be less if you provide us with additional information regarding the type of information in which you are interested. This request for further specificity is in accordance with DoD regulations governing the processing of FOIA requests.

Should you wish us to initiate a search for records responsive to your request as stated in your 8 January letter, please be advised that our policy is to request advance payment of one-half the estimated cost, as well as an agreement to pay the balance, prior to initiating the search.

Please be advised that your agreeing to incur these fees will not necessarily result in the disclosure to you of any information. It has been our experience, that any records responsive to your request, if such records exist, most likely would be classified or otherwise exempt from release in accordance with the exemption provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. The application of these exemptions to NSA information has been consistently approved by the Federal Judiciary.

FOIA # 19

CUFON Computer UFO Network

Document #: 19

From: UFO INFO SERVICE
Date Sent: 06-10-1986
Subject: 1986 NSA PROJ. AQUARIUS

CUFON - UFO INFORMATION SERVICE SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

               FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT DOCUMENT FILES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                         NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY
                         CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE
                Fort George G. Meade, Maryland 20755-6000
 
__________________________                               Serial:  J9014A
__________________________
__________________________                               03 MAR 1986

Dear Mr. _________________:

This is in response to your letter of 20 February 1986 in which you stated that, regarding your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for information on Project Aquarius, you are interested in Aquarius as it pertains to unidentified aerial objects. Please be advised that Project Aquarius does not deal with unidentified aerial projects. We, therefore, have no information to provide to you on the subject.

In your letter you also ask for information on Projects Sigma and Snowbird. The FOIA provides that a person has a right of access to federal agency records, except to the extent that such records are protected from disclosure by one of nine exemptions. It does not require that an agency answer questions. As I mentioned in my letter of 20 February, Sigma and Snowbird are not NSA projects; therefore, we have no information to give you on these topics.

Since you indicate in your letter that you will not be paying the $15,000.00 fee to search for records pertaining to Aquarius, this response completes our action on your request.