Brief
Chad Underwood
The claims the writer was given for Chad Underwood, in the order they were given.
1
The Anomalous Aerial Vehicle (AAV) appeared solid white, smooth, with no edges, uniformly coloured with no nacelles, pylons, or wings.
“solid white, smooth, with no edges. It was uniformly colored with no nacelles, pylons, or wings.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:20002-20092 observation first hand
2
David Fravor's flight met with the flight of Chad Underwood in the paraloft aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and passed on what they had seen.
“The flight met up with LT {{redacted: ~2 words}} and LT Chad Underwood's flight in the paraloft and passed what they had seen.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:22669-22790 observation
3
Chad Underwood was a member of Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41) and was the Weapon System Operator (WSO) flying with another lieutenant.
“Lt Underwood was a member of VFA-41 and was the Weapons and Sensors Officer (WSO) flying with LT {{redacted: ~2 words}}.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:23293-23405 administrative
4
Chad Underwood's crew were part of the second F/A-18F section from Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41) airborne on 2004-11-14.
“They were a part of the second F/A-18F section airborne that day from VFA-41.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:23414-23488 administrative
5
Chad Underwood's flight launched following David Fravor's FASTEAGLE flight.
“Their flight launched following the FASTEAGLE flight.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:23492-23538 administrative
6
David Fravor's flight crew told Chad Underwood's flight crew what they had seen of the Anomalous Aerial Vehicle (AAV) and asked them to try to see and record what they could.
“FASTEAGLE flight told LT Underwood's flight what they saw and to try to see and record what they could.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:23679-23776 observation
7
Chad Underwood's flight departed from USS Nimitz (CVN-68), climbed to altitude, and separated to begin the training portion of the flight.
“They completed their departure from the USS Nitmiz, climbed to altitude and separated to begin the training portion of the flight.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:23825-23948 observation
8
Chad Underwood said it was a clear day, with no clouds and a discernible blue horizon, at the time of his flight's FLIR tracking of the object.
“According to LT Underwood it was a clear day. There were no clouds and there was a discernable blue horizon.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:23956-24056 observation first hand
9
The time of Chad Underwood's FLIR tracking event was approximately 15:00 local time.
“The time was approximately 1500L.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:24065-24092 observation
10
Chad Underwood's flight checked in with the E-2C Hawkeye and separated before proceeding south to the southern combat air patrol station.
“The flight checked with the E-2C and separated. Their jet proceeded south to the southern cap.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:24099-24189 observation
11
Chad Underwood's flight flew at approximately 6,100 metres, flying a max endurance profile at approximately 560 kilometres per hour ground speed.
“They flew at 20,000 feet and were flying a max endurance profile at approximately 300 knots ground speed.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:24194-24293 measurement
12
All on-board systems on Chad Underwood's F/A-18F were functioning normally, with the radar in standard search mode (Range While Search, 80 nautical mile range, 4 bar, interleave) and the Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) in L+S slave mode.
“All on board systems were functioning normally. The radar was in a standard search mode (RWS/ 80NM/ 4bar/ intr) and the FLIR was in L+S slave (the FLIR would point in direction of an L+S track).”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:24301-24488 observation
13
Chad Underwood's flight had no radio or communication interference and had entry into the Link-16 network.
“There were no radio or communication interference and they had entry into the Link-16 network.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:24496-24582 observation
14
Initial awareness of the object detected by Chad Underwood's flight came via the radar, with initial tracks at approximately 55-74 kilometres to the south of the aircraft.
“Initial awareness of an object came via the radar. According to the radar display, the initial tracks were at approximately 30-40 nm to the south of the aircraft.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:24591-24744 measurement
15
Chad Underwood attempted multiple times to transition the radar to Single Target Track (STT) mode on the Anomalous Aerial Vehicle (AAV) but the radar could not take a lock.
“LT Underwood was controlling the radar and FLIR and attempted multiple times to transition the radar to Single Target Track (STT) mode on the object. The radar could not take a lock, the b-sweep would raster around the hit, build an initial aspect vector (which never stabilized) and then would drop and continue normal RWS b-sweep.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:24754-25080 observation first hand
16
Chad Underwood said there were no jamming cues, such as strobe or champagne bubbles, or any normal electronic-attack indications, on his radar while attempting to track the Anomalous Aerial Vehicle (AAV).
“When asked, LT Underwood stated that there were no jamming cues (strobe, champagne bubbles, "any normal EA indications"). It "just appeared as if the radar couldn't hack it."”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:25087-25257 observation first hand
17
The radar on Chad Underwood's aircraft could not receive enough information to create a single target track file on the Anomalous Aerial Vehicle (AAV).
“The radar couldn't receive enough information to create a single target track file.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:25262-25340 observation
18
The Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) on Chad Underwood's aircraft showed the Anomalous Aerial Vehicle (AAV) at 0 degrees angle track antenna and approximately -5 degrees elevation.
“The FLIR showed an object at 0 ATA and approximately -5deg elevation (Figure 2).”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:25447-25524 measurement
19
Chad Underwood estimated the Anomalous Aerial Vehicle (AAV) to be co-altitude with his aircraft or a few thousand feet below, estimating the object to be between approximately 4,600 and 6,100 metres.
“According to LT Underwood, "the target was best guess co-altitude or a few thousand feet below," estimating the object to be between 15-20 thousand feet.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:25528-25702 measurement first hand
20
The Anomalous Aerial Vehicle (AAV) appeared stationary on the Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) display, with no discernible movement other than closure resulting from the aircraft's own movement.
“The object, according to the FLIR, appeared stationary (Figure 3). There was no discernable movement from the object with the only closure being a result of the aircraft's movement.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:25708-25880 observation
21
As Chad Underwood watched the Anomalous Aerial Vehicle (AAV) it began to move out of the Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) field of view to the left, and he made no attempt to slew the FLIR, losing situational awareness of the object.
“As LT Underwood watched the object it began to move out of FLIR field of view to the left. LT Underwood made no attempt to slew the FLIR and subsequently lost situational awareness to the object.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:25890-26078 observation first hand
22
Chad Underwood's flight continued with the training mission with no further contact with the Anomalous Aerial Vehicle (AAV).
“The Flight continued with training mission with no further contact with object.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:26086-26158 observation
23
A Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) image in White Hot Mode captured by Chad Underwood's aircraft showed a faint bright object against a dark background.
“[image: FLIR image in White Hot Mode showing a faint bright object against a dark background, labeled Figure 2.]”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:26168-26276 observation second hand
24
A Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) image in Black Hot mode captured by Chad Underwood's aircraft showed a faint dark object against a lighter background.
“[image: FLIR image in Black Hot mode showing a faint dark object against a lighter background, labeled Figure 3.]”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:26306-26415 observation second hand
25
Chad Underwood could not confirm that the object he tracked on Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) was the same object described by David Fravor's flight, as he never had visual contact and only saw the object via the FLIR.
“LT Underwood was clear in that he couldn't confirm that it was the same object as described by FASTEAGLE flight. He never had visual, only seeing the object via the FLIR.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:26420-26585 testimony first hand
26
Chad Underwood reaffirmed that all systems on his aircraft were functional during the encounter.
“He reaffirmed that all systems were functional.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:26591-26627 testimony first hand
27
Following completion of the training portion, Chad Underwood's section returned to USS Nimitz (CVN-68) for a normal approach, landing, and shutdown.
“Following completion of the training portion, the section returned to the ship for a normal approach, landing and shutdown.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:26640-26754 observation
28
Chad Underwood's crew met in the Carrier Intelligence Center (CVIC) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and debriefed.
“The crew met in CVIC and debriefed.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:26764-26789 administrative
29
Chad Underwood said that Carrier Intelligence Center (CVIC) personnel attempted to collect his tapes but he refused.
“LT Underwood said that the CIVC section attempted to collect his tapes but he refused.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:26800-26878 testimony first hand
30
Chad Underwood's crew proceeded to their ready room and debriefed with David Fravor and his flight.
“They proceeded to their ready room where they debriefed with CDR Fravor and his flight.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:26887-26967 observation
31
Chad Underwood was not asked to sign any non-disclosure agreement regarding the Anomalous Aerial Vehicle (AAV) encounter and is uncertain how far up the chain of command the reporting went past his commanding officer.
“LT Underwood was not asked to sign any non-disclosure agreement and he is uncertain how far up the chain the reporting went past his commanding officer.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:27060-27204 testimony first hand
32
When asked, Chad Underwood could not confirm any physiological or psychological feelings that were out of the ordinary, only expressing a feeling of confusion during the event.
“When asked LT Underwood couldn't confirm any physiological or psychological feelings that were out of the ordinary. He only expressed a feeling of confusion during the event.”
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11) AAV Incident Report 2004-11-14 char:27213-27381 testimony first hand
33
Chad Underwood recorded the forward-looking infrared (FLIR) video of the object involved in the 2004 USS Nimitz UFO incident.
“Chad Underwood recorded that video.”
David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering | Lex Fridman Podcast #122 2020-09-08 01:13:27.6-01:13:28.9 testimony
34
Chad Underwood recorded video of the object after he and his pilot subsequently took off, following David Fravor's account of the initial sighting during the 2004 USS Nimitz UFO incident.
“when Chad and his pilot took off, that's when Chad got the video of it.”
David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering | Lex Fridman Podcast #122 2020-09-08 01:15:21.6-01:15:24.9 testimony second hand
35
Chad Underwood recorded the FLIR video during the 2004 USS Nimitz UFO incident.
“Chad, when he took off, when he got the video, we landed, we told them, hey, look, we just chased this thing.”
David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering | Lex Fridman Podcast #122 2020-09-08 01:30:34.9-01:30:40.2 testimony first hand
36
For about two days after the 2004 USS Nimitz UFO incident, the Air Wing's flight schedule featured joke comics on its back page referencing the encounter, styled after Men in Black and naming David Fravor and Chad Underwood as protecting the Nimitz battle group.
“For about two days, they played the Goofy movies. There's a comic on the back of the Air Wing schedule... the second one was me and the guy in my back seat, and it was men in black, but it had our names, you know, protecting the world, protecting the Nimitz battle group type stuff.”
David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering | Lex Fridman Podcast #122 2020-09-08 01:38:46.8-01:39:00.5 testimony first hand
37
The pilot of the aircraft carrying Chad Underwood during the recording of the 2004 USS Nimitz UFO incident does not have a vivid recollection of the event and did not consider it a big deal at the time.
“the pilot of the airplane that took the video that chad was in if you talk to that individual they really don't have the recollection they were just out flying that day and it wasn't a big deal”
David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering | Lex Fridman Podcast #122 2020-09-08 01:46:45.0-01:46:56.0 testimony first hand
38
As David Fravor and his wingman returned to the USS Nimitz on the afternoon of 2004-11-14, a third pair of aircraft headed out, one piloted by Lieutenant Chad Underwood, whose jet was fitted with an ATFLIR pod.
“As Commander Fravor and his wingman returned to the USS Nimitz from their Tic Tac encounter that 14 November afternoon, a third pair of aircraft headed out. One of the pilots, Lieutenant Chad Underwood, had what is called an ATFLIR pod on his jet.”
In Plain Sight 2023-11-17 ch16:16657-16902 administrative
39
En route, Chad Underwood's weapons systems officer checked the cap point where David Fravor and his wingman had last seen the Tic Tac craft, and it was waiting for them there.
“En route, Underwood's weapons systems officer checked the cap point where the previous pilots Dave Fravor and his female pilot wingman last saw the UAP and, sure enough, there it was waiting for them.”
In Plain Sight 2023-11-17 ch16:17174-17369 observation
40
David Fravor said that when the US Navy jet flown by Chad Underwood tried to lock onto the Tic Tac craft with its radar during the 2004 USS Nimitz Tic Tac UAP encounter, there were clear indications of deliberate jamming, which could be perceived as a hostile act, technically an act of war.
“Disturbingly, as the US Navy jet tried to lock on to the object with its radar, there were clear indications of deliberate jamming, which Commander Fravor says could be perceived as a hostile act, as technically an act of war'.”
In Plain Sight 2023-11-17 ch16:17375-17597 opinion first hand
41
The weapons systems officer sitting behind Chad Underwood was eventually able to lock onto the Tic Tac craft using the ATFLIR pod's infra-red mode, showing it as a white object against a black background.
“The weapons systems officer sitting behind Underwood was eventually able to lock on to the object using the pod's infra-red mode, meaning it showed up on his screen as a white object in a black background.”
In Plain Sight 2023-11-17 ch16:17606-17800 observation
42
Chad Underwood said the thing that stood out to him most about the Tic Tac craft was how erratic it was behaving, with changes in altitude, air speed, and aspect unlike anything he had ever encountered flying against other air targets.
“'The thing that stood out to me the most was how erratic it was behaving. And what I mean by "erratic" is that its changes in altitude, air speed, and aspect were just unlike things that I've ever encountered before flying against other air targets.'”
In Plain Sight 2023-11-17 ch16:18401-18641 opinion first hand
43
Chad Underwood said the Tic Tac craft was behaving in ways that are not physically normal, noting that aircraft, whether manned or unmanned, still have to obey the laws of physics and require some source of lift and propulsion, which the Tic Tac craft did not appear to have.
“It was just behaving in ways that aren't physically normal. That's what caught my eye. Because, aircraft, whether they're manned or unmanned, still have to obey the laws of physics. They have to have some source of lift, some source of propulsion. The Tic Tac was not doing that.”
In Plain Sight 2023-11-17 ch16:18650-18924 opinion first hand
44
Chad Underwood said the Tic Tac craft went from approximately 15,000 metres to approximately 30 metres altitude in seconds, which is not possible.
“It was going from like 50,000 feet to, you know, a hundred feet in like seconds, which is not possible.”
In Plain Sight 2023-11-17 ch16:18930-19024 observation first hand
45
The manoeuvres filmed by Chad Underwood implied that someone, somewhere, had achieved a technological breakthrough demonstrating such manoeuvres were actually possible.
“The awesome implication from what Underwood conclusively filmed was that someone, somewhere, had indeed achieved a technological breakthrough that showed such manoeuvres were actually possible.”
In Plain Sight 2023-11-17 ch16:19035-19219 opinion first hand
46
The FLIR1 video of the 2004 Nimitz Tic Tac encounter was downloaded when Chad Underwood returned to the USS Nimitz, and conspiracy theories abound among crewmen who saw the video while the ship was still at sea.
“The ATFLIR video of the encounter was downloaded when Lieutenant Underwood returned to the USS Nimitz; conspiracy theories abound among crewmen who saw the video while the ship was still at sea.”
In Plain Sight 2023-11-17 ch16:19232-19424 hearsay second hand
47
Chad Underwood, the pilot who filmed the 2004 USS Nimitz Tic Tac UAP encounter, answered a few questions in a phone call with someone from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) soon after landing.
“The pilot who videoed the encounter, Chad Underwood, says that soon after landing, he answered a few questions in a phone call with someone from NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defence Command”
In Plain Sight 2023-11-17 ch16:21525-21714 testimony first hand
48
Chad Underwood was an otherwise serious and focused pilot who never indulged in flights of fancy.
“Underwood, an otherwise serious and focused pilot, never indulged in flights of fancy.”
Imminent: Inside the Pentagon's Hunt for UFOs 2024-08-19 ch15:14197-14277 opinion first hand
49
A North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) investigator put a few questions to Chad Underwood following the 2004 USS Nimitz UAP encounter, and no other internal agency investigated the encounter.
“Beyond a few questions a NORAD investigator put to Underwood, I was told no other internal agency investigated the encounter.”
Imminent: Inside the Pentagon's Hunt for UFOs 2024-08-19 ch15:14675-14790 hearsay second hand
50
Navy fighter pilot Lieutenant Chad Underwood captured video footage of the Tic Tac UAP using Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared Radar (ATFLIR).
“Navy fighter pilot Lieutenant Chad Underwood managed to capture some video footage of the UAP, using Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared Radar (ATFLIR or FLIR for short).”
Imminent: Inside the Pentagon's Hunt for UFOs 2024-08-19 ch15:8325-8496 administrative
51
In the video footage captured by Chad Underwood of the Tic Tac, the UAP defied the pilot's attempt to obtain a good radar lock on it.
“First, the UAP defies the pilot’s attempt to get a good lock on it.”
Imminent: Inside the Pentagon's Hunt for UFOs 2024-08-19 ch15:8606-8670 observation
52
Both Chad Underwood and Dave Fravor/Jim Slaight reported the Tic Tac's instant disappearance over the horizon during the 2004 USS Nimitz UAP encounter.
“Both Underwood and Fravor/Slaight reported the UAP disappearing over the horizon in an instant.”
Imminent: Inside the Pentagon's Hunt for UFOs 2024-08-19 ch15:8985-9072 observation second hand