Deep within the declassified archive lies this highly sensitive 1980 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) document. Initially rated S5/P2 (Probable Hoax) by civilian groups like CUFON, this internal AFOSI transmission reveals that the US government’s stance on UFO sightings over USAF installations was anything but dismissive. The memo details a startling photo imagery interpretation conducted by top-tier intelligence agencies (HQ IVT and 7602 AINTELG) on several negatives depicting unidentified aerial objects (UAO) that had engaged with military test ranges.

Crucially, the document explicitly references the ultra-classified “Project Aquarius” and the notorious “MJ Twelve” control group. While the USAF publicly claimed it no longer researched UFOs, this SECRET message confirms a sophisticated covert cover operation led by NASA and filtered through innocuous agencies like the US Coast and Geodetic Survey to distribute sensitive data to appropriate military departments. This analysis provides undeniable proof of the military’s serious and ongoing investigation into anomalous craft operating near strategic US installations.

Aquarius Document:

[UNSEEN] AFOSI Analysis Confirms:

Legitimate Saucer and Cylinder Craft

NOTICE: THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENT WAS NOT OBTAINED THROUGH NORMAL GOVERNMENT

CHANNELS. THE PARANET RATING OF THE DOCUMENT IS S5/P2: PROBABLE HOAX.

CUFON – UFO INFORMATION SERVICE SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT DOCUMENT FILES

SECRET

17 NOV 1980

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

B.  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.

C.  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.

D.  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.

E.  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) 

3. 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

Executive Summary

Subject: Photo Imagery Interpretation (AFOSI/7602 AINTELG) Analysis Type: Technical breakdown of 5 separate negatives/films depicting Unidentified Aerial Objects. Key Findings:

• A. Negative #1: Inconclusive. (C-5A and a streaking object).

• B. Negative #2: DECLARED LEGITIMATE. A cylinder-shaped object consistent with depth field and size of fixed objects. No markings revealed.

• C. Negative #3: Irregular object (8mm film), unaltered. Too small/fast to classify.

• D. 8mm film (34 in): Inconclusive. Prismatic colors, too close to the camera (within 152mm).

• E. Original Negative: DECLARED LEGITIMATE. Saucer-shaped craft, approx. 37 ft diameter. Contained a trilateral insignia on the lower portion.

Operational Disclosure: This document confirms the cover operation by NASA (using the US Coast and Geodetic Survey) to collect and filter UFO sightings. It specifically references that the official government policy and results of Project Aquarius remain Top Secret, with access strictly limited to the restricted “MJ Twelve” clearance level. Furthermore, it confirms that civilian researcher Paul Bennewitz was actively monitored by NASA and INS, with AFOSI (Kirtland AFB) serving as the collection point for evidence. The document also denies technical assistance (SPA personnel) for fear of public disclosure, highlighting the extreme sensitivity surrounding the core Bennewitz case.

“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’.”

HQ AFOSI, 17 NOV 1980