CIA-UAP-D022, Unidentified Flying Object Reported near Puerto Rico, 1965
This file, released by the U.S. Department of War as part of a UAP records release, contains CIA memoranda dated February 1965 concerning an unidentified flying object reported in the vicinity of Puerto Rico during the period 18–24 November 1964. According to the releasing agency, a U.S. Naval aviator described the object as 'delta-shaped, about the size of a jet fighter,' estimating its speed in excess of Mach 3 (approximately 2,200 mph). A corresponding track from an AN/SPS-49 radar aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Gyatt measured the object at roughly 3,800 knots. The memoranda note that the object was initially identified by the CO at Ramey as a YF-12A, but that ONI was ultimately convinced it was not a YF-12A or similar Lockheed aircraft. The AD/SA (Colonel Jack C. Ledford) requested that OSI and OEL scientifically evaluate the original radar film. The AD/SI (Donald F. Chamberlain) assessed the object was conceivably associated with foreign intelligence-gathering activities, citing active missile testing in the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Range (AFWR) as an attractive reconnaissance target, and noted the USSR operated MiG-19 reconnaissance configurations from Cuba. The documents are handled via the BYEMAN control system and reference the OXCART program. The file contains redactions.
Description
Declassified CIA memoranda (February 1965) exchanged between the Assistant Director for Special Activities (AD/SA) and Assistant Director for Scientific Intelligence (AD/SI) analyzing a reported unidentified flying object observed near Puerto Rico in November 1964, including radar tracking data from the USS Gyatt and a naval aviator's visual account.
Claims
A U.S. Naval aviator visually observed a delta-shaped object 'about the size of a jet fighter' moving at a speed in excess of Mach 3 near Puerto Rico on 19 November 1964.
70%The object was initially identified by the CO at Ramey as a YF-12A, but ONI was ultimately convinced it was not a YF-12A or similar Lockheed aircraft.
70%A U.S. Naval aviator described the object as delta-shaped, about the size of a jet fighter, with estimated speed in excess of Mach 3.
70%CIA offices concluded the object was not a YF-12A or similar Lockheed aircraft, contradicting an initial identification by CO Ramey.
70%The USS Gyatt's AN/SPS-49 radar tracked the object at approximately 3,800 knots (about 4,373 mph) at a good altitude in excess of 100,000 feet.
65%USS Gyatt's AN/SPS-49 radar tracked the object at approximately 3,800 knots at high altitude.
65%The AD/SI assessed the object was conceivably associated with foreign intelligence-gathering activities, with active missile testing in the AFWR being an attractive reconnaissance target.
60%The AD/SI assessed the object was conceivably associated with foreign (possibly Soviet) intelligence-gathering activity targeting missile testing in the AFWR.
60%There was no evidence at the time to suggest Soviet MiG-21 reconnaissance activity was based in Cuba with Cuban pilots.
60%The USSR operated MiG-19 reconnaissance configurations with aerial cameras and possibly SIGINT equipment, though there was no evidence at hand suggesting MiG-19 reconnaissance activity was based in Cuba.
55%
Events
Nov 18, 1964
UFO sighting near Puerto Rico
A U.S. Naval aviator observed a delta-shaped object described as about the size of a jet fighter, estimated at speeds exceeding Mach 3; the USS Gyatt's AN/SPS-49 radar tracked it at approximately 3,800 knots.
Nov 30, 1964
CINCLANTFLT cable on UFO identification
Cable (date time group 01/2048Z December) from Commander Caribbean Sea Frontier informing CINCLANTFLT that the UFO was identified by CO Ramey as a YF-12A.
Jan 31, 1965
CIA memoranda on the incident
AD/SA and AD/SI memoranda exchanged analyzing the radar photography and possible attribution of the object.
Aug 6, 2026
Public release of file
File released by the U.S. Department of War as part of UAP records release 5.
Nov 18, 1964
Unidentified object observed near Puerto Rico
A U.S. Naval aviator observed a delta-shaped object estimated at over Mach 3; USS Gyatt AN/SPS-49 radar tracked a high-speed, high-altitude target near the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Range.
Jan 31, 1965
CIA memorandum for AD/SI
AD/SA memorandum requesting OSI scientific evaluation of radar photography and concluding the object was not a YF-12A or similar Lockheed aircraft.
Aug 6, 2026
Public release
File released by U.S. Department of War as part of UAP disclosure release 5.
Dates mentioned
Keywords
Entities
Organizations
Topics
Extracted text (OCR)
Approved for Release 2026 RET DENTIAL UNCLASS IFIEO SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF ATTACHED MATERIAL SHOULD BE CIRCLED TOP AND BOTTOM ACTION SHEET DATE REC'D IN IC IC I DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED MATERIAL: TYPE OF MATERIAL DATED FROM TO SUBJECT FOLLOW-UP DATE DEADLINE DATE DELI VER ED TO DIVISION ROUTING TO DATE ACTION REQUIRED COMMENTS• INIT, ., ll, 5, 6, • INSTRUCTIONS: Under each co~ment a line should across sheet and each comment numbered to correspond with the number in the "TO" column, be drawn • tf comments bear a higher classification than the attached material, the security classification of this sheet be changed. i FORM 9511 6- 63 "f USE UNCLASSIFIED PREVIOUS EDITIONS CONFIDENTIAL SECRET IOF 31!.CIU!;( }OP SECftET/1 I ' '. - coNrRoL NO /I REFERRED TO OFFICE SIGNATURE DATE TIME DATE TIME F - fsEEN'sv RELEASED RECEIVED _ _i ~ u: NAME & OFFICE SYMBOL DATE ADB/DS )/SI Handle Via Indicated Controls BYEMAN Access to this document will be restricted to those persons cleared for the specific projects; OXCART ..................... ..................... ..................... ..................... WARNING This document contains information affecting the notional security of the United States within the meaning of the espionage lows U. S. Code Title 18, Sections 793 and 794, The law prohibits its transmission or the revelot/on of lts contents in any manner to an unauthori1ed person, as well as its use In any manner prejudicial to the safety or interest of the United States or for the benefit of any foreign government to the detriment of the United States. It is to be seen only by personnel especially indoctrinated and authorized to receive information in the designated control channels. Its security must be maintained In accordance with regulations pertaining to BYEMAN Control System, TOP SECRET • • BY.E•l~Ul./(),; . C0,1.Lof. 3 C .:»r,lea 11 f£Q 1965 SUliJEC't: UD.i~ct.U10J. 11.Jiaa Oi»jeet iiY.E•a41l./~i .... AU.dllnea&t. l Fott 65 .i. 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Aaalyai.s -.4. taeae i.Jl1 X01ftpll• .th..M' a &ood b-a<;.I( la tl&Cea• of JQO •• ID.. for ta.r, <)lljeltt ia q\leati;M.. 'nut .,uJ•ct ••• flyta1 a. c.,111H•• 1 of aac•t 1&;'> relaciv• ,,.) u. Oyatt at a nlati~o •pe•d 9f t.b<.)U.t ·~) i(JJOtl. HANDLE VIA BY~\l~!, CJ?i'f:Ct SYSTEM PROJECT. uitART , .-. . . :). .. • • b.. At • ti.m•. tile Alf /&Pl•49 rad.u' alih:,ari tile Gyata wa.a IUMlu•I ~ ill.4 . . . . . .;;;,a te•t pt"4ll'hlll ... -.. k•tu:e$ the u.t• .;J. a NC'-»1'di41 __.,a. :i~ 111 vi•w ~f •• l'Mal' ,tlotGC.-~l'h• a&d pilot ob.aena.Si.oa.. lC it concln•c . ., 1iut •o•CAUN u,o ,;)Q 1, M---•..... pl'obit.blJ • dulta...w1ng tip~~ of. a ty~ h&fllll a. attflifit:aat1J bipet ell.-. j,14'.f'(,.>l'm&.l'\CC di.an . . r . . 8(; al tile iO, ~\) £.JO& alu.tQ.d11' :t•~• kaed ~ U&..e li.B:uietl ii~onaaet.oa pa'OYid.eo ia Ul• aa1od&teo e.»rr••poao.••c•• * ~-, ooJeota ~epvl'IM fklnua l,MJri04i :w/. lo a. M Nuv•mlAr w-.14 a9pe•r w" wudM&ifilld ~n:,ao.. •• Appa.nll&ly. mi•aik &eat finap were adMdllled to• tbAI AFW .a d1,11'iAi r.bi.a WU period. &ad tl i. C•lft.C•t..abl• tla.at. &b• ..... ia •1w.•kiL>A cl.Nld. ave t..cu1111 aa &&incU.v• tar1•• f vr nconnaieaMt.ce. l'M USS Qy~tl wu lucaied .¼21 A.m.. !t'u4\ tu..,.._.. tip a£ Cl!lt.a. ,.iurt,,1.1 U.. 19 NOYuaaer i.tldd..._ •.U wUbia MiO•ll ran,•. na. USSR lMla a MiG•l.1 nc~icsaGCC cOGtipl'aU• wila A.F'A•l' Ael't&t ca.mar• au po.aawly SlQIN r aqu.t,?meat. l'laere. la ao cvid•a.c• at . Saa.fl~ to nage•~ ._,, G.••Y a1ty Mi.G-U r•c-ahuutace acth'ity wa•d in Cu.r.a. tU.tlutr wU:11 .Sane, .:>, Cua.a pUQta. DONA.f.J) I',,, CHAMB&lU..JJN . .'": A ••••t&4t :Oirect,,r r ' )j Sci.•a&ific b.tolllJ•A..CO Auac~:1ta, Till'•• atwc1'.UMat.a to BY J. :oa1/hl Dia t ri b\t.u <)tl: Cy , &c 't. .. Ader••••• (w/attach) Cy la.. t •AP/Sl Cy :> 4t b • PSD/Sl Cy 1 It a .. Af)B/W.0/Sl QSl,/£;$0/.A.D&:~ - - ~.ldl/eW (10 Foo 6:.J 0~////////////////~ •~ ,"· - -• -~ e TOP SECRET CONTROL NO. REFERRED TO OFFICE A~ RELEASED RECEIVED SIGNATURE BYE 2081-65 DATE TIME DATE TIME ., SEEN BY NAME & OFFICE SYMBOL z#-t~·.-- Handle Via Indicated Controls BYEMAN Access to this document will be restricted to those persons cleared for the specific projects; ..................... OX€ART ..................... . .................... ..................... ..................... ..................... ..................... ..................... WARNING This document contains information affecting the national security/ of the United States within the meaning of the espionage laws U. S. Code Title 18, Sections 793 and 794. The law prohibits its transmission or the revelation of its contents in any manner to an unauthorized person, as well as its use in any manner prejudicial to the safety or interest of the United States or for the benefit of any foreign government ta the detriment of the United States. it is to be seen only by personnel especially indoctrinated and authorized to receive information in the designated control channels. Its security must be maintained in accardance with regulations pertaining to BY EMAN Control System. TOP SECRET DATE 'Hai~lo ~ia . D)"EMAN. Cmrirct S-;stem ,; · ·- •• 'fOP SEOR:B'i' OXCART BYE 2081-65 Copy ..1_ 1 FEB 1965 MEMORANDUM FOR: Assistant Director for Scientific Intelligence SUBJECT: Unidentified Flying Object 1. OSI and OSA, we believe; received similar information regarding a UFO in the vicinity of Puerto Rico during period 18-24 November 1964. As you can see by the cable originated by the Commander, Caribbean Sea Frontier, to Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet, date time group Ol/2048Z December, CINCLANTFLT was informed that UFO identified by CO Ramey as being YF-12A. We think ONI finally convinced, through our efforts, that UFO in fact not YF-12A or similar category Lockheed Aircraft. 2. Navy has provided, at our request, pertinent traffic on this subject, as well as original radar film, Attachment 1, with accompanying prints of same. Request OSI, possibly in conjunction with OEL, evaluate the radar photography to determine if any further information can be gotten through a thorough scientific analysis of the material relative to a high speed, high altitude UFO. 3. Request on completion of OSI study that the attached documents, film and prints be returned to the TCO/BCO/OSA for return to Navy. . . __i ACK C. L Colonel ssistant Director (Special Activities) Attachments As stated above •iir. . . )r OXCART TOP SEGRECJ.l er.our r ... "I Excl~,~~~/'.~~-t!~~Btlcl 1.,..,.., !'"I'''. ·• •• ·~
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