PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE WITH LUIS ELIZONDO
THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE program, ‘UAPTF’ (Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon Task Force) was established in August of 2020, and was a game changer. It signified that the United States Government (USG) is officially investigating Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP), otherwise known as UFOs. For me, this was big news, and as someone who has had an interest in the topic since 2013, I couldn’t help but appreciate the extreme significance.
I grew up in a small industrial town in the northeast of England, a powerhouse of the Victorian industrial revolution. Despite its early unsung influence upon the modern world, Middlesbrough is not Los Angeles or New York, we do not have UFOs here, and we certainly don’t have UFO people. But then this stigmatised trait is akin to a wider trend of influence across England. The British government does not entertain the concept of anomalous aerial vehicles that are shaped like ‘Flying Discs, ‘Tic-Tacs’, ‘Cubes’ or ‘Black Triangles’. As you might imagine, this dismissive approach by the British government makes things difficult for us wanting to study the topic seriously, particularly when you have a professional career to uphold.
Writing, researching and being an Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP) activist is incredibly difficult for numerous reasons. For one, the psychological stigma ensures you never have a straight conversation with someone, they always have that look when you bring up the topic, you can almost feel their unspoken anxiety.
Secondly, there are so few people in the world who have an interest in UAP activism, and then those who do will also fail to implement credible terminology when attempting to engage government agencies, academic institutions and media organisations.
Previous initiatives to task governments with taking the issue serious, often lead with ‘Space-Aliens are here!’, which is a major conversation killer and impingement to progression within official channels due to the stigma.
When people think of ‘UFOs’, they think of crazy people with tin foil hats. In reality, the truth is that most people who study this phenomenon are intelligent, and most have witnessed something they cannot explain. Nobody knows what these anomalous objects are, these extreme performance and un-aerodynamic craft, that have been reported by Navy fighter pilots, caught on gun camera footage and radar at both high and low altitudes and within our oceans. This issue is buried in classification. Anyone who claims to know the answers should be treated with skepticism, anyone who says these objects are definitely ‘extraterrestrial’ or definitely anything else for that matter, are probably well meaning, but misguided in their premature conclusions. The fact is, we don’t know what they are.
So what is the truth about the UAP (UFO) phenomenon?
The truth is that various forms of UAP technology have been reported by fighter pilots going back to the end of World War II and the ‘Foo-Fighters’ (not the band) phenomenon. The United States Military created the programs, ‘Sign’, ‘Grudge’ and ‘Blue Book’ all of which investigated UFOs from 1947-1969. The programs ended as the result of The Condon Report, what many understood to be a ‘whitewash’ report which downplayed the capabilities of the engaging unidentified vehicles, and which is still used today as a basis for non-investigation in some quarters.
Then, starting in 2017, the disclosures came via The New York Times and others, that the Department of Defense had other, more recent programs that again investigated UAP (UFOs). The unclassified Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) and the Advanced Aerospace Weapons System Application Program (AAWSAP) along with the contractor Bigelow Aerospace Advanced Space Studies (BAASS) investigated anomalous threats that presented with ‘beyond next generation capabilities’.
The director of AATIP, a man by the name of Luis Elizondo, verified the reality of the phenomenon and the role the Pentagon program played after he left the position in late 2017.
For the past three years I have tried to engage politicians and mainstream media on this issue, highlighting the potential significant threat that such a technology poses to national security. I have wrote letters to multiple Defense agencies as well as Ministers of Parliament on Defense committees.
I have even been fortunate enough to speak with some of the people involved within the UAP military incursions who have verified the reported encounters. In recent months I have also been lucky enough to occasionally speak with the former director of AATIP, Mr. Elizondo himself, who has been kind enough to guide me on my own grandmother’s UFO sighting at the end of summer in 2020. It was through these interactions that he agreed to answer a few questions about AATIP, UAP and the important role of activism.
Luis Elizondo, former head of AATIP ©mysterywire.com
ADAM: Both yourself and AATIP have had to endure a lot of misinformation and arguably disinformation pushback from various sources inside DOD since 2017. Despite this, when you look at any given credible mainstream article discussing AATIP, they almost always refer to AATIP as UAP and yourself as director (as well they should). With this in mind, how do you currently feel about the historical AATIP situation in 2021 with a new administration? Do you see yourself being officially ‘vindicated’ as we proceed?
LUE: This journey has never been about personal vindication for me. It’s about telling people the truth. Fortunately, most in the media have done their due diligence when writing about AATIP and AWSAP and have access to, or seen the documentation substantiating my role and the role of AATIP. Let’s not forget that Senator Reid himself (one of he original sponsors of AATIP) has already acknowledged several times for the record what my role was. Furthermore, there is actual official documentation that has been released that further substantiates my role. With all this, it's important to once again highlight that this effort was never about vindication on my part. In fact, if the price for true disclosure is the cost of my personal reputation, then that is an easy trade to make for me and one well worth it. As for the new U.S. administration, I think they will be equally engaged as the previous administration given the emphasis on this topic by key members in Congress, the media, and their constituents. I also would NOT expect people such as Chris Mellon or myself to stop with our endeavours to end UAP secrecy any time soon.
ADAM: One might argue that the truth about AATIP was the result of some good, level headed journalists and researchers taking the time to see beyond reckless disinformation and pushback. Without the work of renowned journalist, George Knapp, and his team (and a few others), the story and perception of AATIP and Lue Elizondo might have publicly gone in another direction. How important was the relationship between George Knapp, yourself, Senator Harry Reid and other such important and well placed people in dispelling pushback and allowing the truth to come out?
LUE: I can’t answer for Mr. George Knapp, but let's not forget that Mr. Knapp is an "Investigative Journalist" which means he is an "investigator" first. As such, there should be no surprise that Mr. Knapp was able to get to the truth fairly quickly. I would also not be surprised if Mr. Knapp has even more information but is waiting for the right time to release it. I think it's important for people to remember that Mr. Knapp has been a journalist for decades and cut his teeth investigating some of the most dangerous aspects of human kind including organized crime, human trafficking, and violence in the streets of Las Vegas. So, when asked if I am surprised that a journalist of his caliber was able to get to the bottom of things regarding AATIP, my response is simply "NO", in fact I would expect nothing less from a journalist of his stature. In addition, there are other journalists who have picked up the torch, including Bryan Bender from Politico, Tucker Carlson from Fox News, Sara Carter, also from Fox News, Leslie Kean from the NYT, Tim McMillan from the Debrief, MJ Banias also from the Debrief, Billy Cox, yourself, and many, many others who are now risking their professional careers and reputations to cover this enigma.
ADAM: The success of UAP credibility within the mainstream media over the past two years has arguably come from the famous case incursion reports of Nimitz (2004) and Roosevelt (2014/15). With this in mind, how important for the global mainstream media’s understanding and digestion is ones ability to build a similar incursion case that encompasses credible UAP photos, videos, radar data, pilot testimony and even eventually USG acknowledgement? Equally, what do you think might be the disadvantages of releasing a photo or a video (regardless of how credible or detailed) without the appropriate context?
LUE: I think it is CRITICALLY important that the media have access to real data and not just anecdotal stories from days gone by. With this in mind, I think the older reports are equally as important, but because we lack much of the technical data involving those incidents, it makes it very difficult to make a compelling case for leadership and the media to consider. For that reason, cases like the Nimitz, Roosevelt, (and possibly the Boxer) and others are important because they give us new insight into these mysterious occurrences and the technical data that is available provides additional information that eyewitness testimony can't provide. This, in turn, allows for the media to report on these activities with the confidence it needs and avoid conjecture, hearsay, and speculation. As for the USG's release of more information, this is a subject I cannot expound upon because the decision to do so is not up to me. However, I am hopeful more information is forthcoming and I support this decision if it is made by the USG.
ADAM: In late 2018, the organisation UAPinfo (and Twitter user Jay) accidentally stumbled across sensitive UAP data on a website before realising the true nature of what it meant. Whilst we deleted and retracted most of the data, we unfortunately did release your (Lue) resignation letter to UFOTwitter and to the world before retracting the article (apologises). For me this was the first time I really considered just how delicate information can be, and the consequences that disclosures can have in the real world. With this in mind, how difficult is it for yourself and other IC people who effectively have to manage sensitive data and consider the extreme consequences of UAP data?
LUE: No apologies are needed. If information was accessed because the proper care was not given to secure it, I don't fault the Twitter-sphere. And to be clear, in this case, I don't fault the individuals who were securing it either. In today's age of information, a savvy 9-year-old can run technological circles around dinosaurs such as myself. Regarding the difficulty of managing and safeguarding information? Well, that is indeed a constant challenge... and not just from curious folks on #UFOTwitter, but from sophisticated state, and non-state actors who want to know what we (the U.S.) knows about this topic. For purposes of OPSEC, I won't elaborate precisely WHO those actors are, but the threat is very real. Imagine for a moment if all U.S. technology and research was exposed to the world about our most sensitive nuclear technology, or lets explore the recent hack of our entire infrastructure and power grid here in the U.S., is that a threat? The answer simply put is a resounding YES! So, in the same way, we must never assume that all information dealing with UAPs and the U.S. should be released to the world and simply accept that "good faith" will prevail.
ADAM: From my own layman's perspective, the on-again, off-again, IAA Omni attached bill with UAP legislation was finally passed before President Trump left office. How important is it that UAPTF (or whatever the final established program might be named), sees the right funding, staffing and cross agency cooperation it desperately needs to serve the will of congress and the American people?
LUE: I remain very optimistic that the UAP Task Force will continue to grow. Let's not confuse the fact that the Task Force has been officially established by the DoD, funding or not. The funding portion is still very important, but make no mistake, the Task Force lives! It’s also important for people to realize that a Task Force, although a great step forward, is designed to be an exploratory or temporary effort to accomplish a mission. As such, what is needed is a permanent capability or office that is enduring and properly funded, perhaps within the new Space Force construct or even under the Vice President.
ADAM: Tim McMillan, writing for The Debrief, disclosed that two intelligence reports had been on various intelligence servers since 2018. One of these servers was NSANET, a classified server that links the Five Eyes intelligence community. To me that suggests that the British GCHQ have had access to this UAP info for some time? And if so, why aren’t we seeing an open escalation of sensitive UAP info to leadership like we are seeing in the United States?
LUE: Unfortunately, I am unable to elaborate on any existing relationships the U.S. might have with other countries.
ADAM: When examining the origins of UAP, would any potential hypothetical future USG program that limited itself to only investigating advanced aerospace vehicles, also then be limiting itself to fully understanding the true nature of the phenomenon/phenomena?
LUE: I think the role of the USG is to explore and examine any aspects of an issue that relates to national security and safety or the health and wellbeing of its citizens. I also think it's important that we, as citizens, recognize the role of our government and limit its involvement in anything that may be philosophical, religious, or of personal choice. For this reason, not all the questions surrounding the UAP topic should be under the cognisance of the USG. If I were still in charge, I would focus on 1. What is it? 2. What is the technology behind it? 3. What are its/their intentions? As for the remaining hundreds of questions, I would leave that to our academic, scientific, and institutional bodies to figure out, along with our foreign allies. I say this only because I would never want my own government to overstep its bounds and create a narrative that turns out to be incorrect.
ADAM: If we consider the theoretical implications behind the phenomenon’s true nature, should we discuss the importance of Dr. Garry Nolan (Antenna, basal ganglia bio markers) + Jacques Vallée (Passport to Magonia, High Strangeness) and any discerning link to the multiple anomalous activity of Skinwalker Ranch?
LUE: I think we should look at all available data and information but also recognize that not all of it will be found to be necessarily related. In essence, any theory is a good theory until you can prove otherwise. However, we must not be tempted to go down a path where we fool ourselves into thinking we have the answers and know the true narrative at this point in time. As I have stipulated before, I think we simply don't have enough data yet to make any conclusive decision as to the nature of the phenomena. I also think the work of Mr. Nolan and Mr. Vallée is important and I respect these men greatly; but I also am careful not to offer an opinion as to the anticipated results. I respect greatly their pursuit of the scientific method and trust in their methodologies and approaches, but as we all know about the world of science (and they will tell you themselves), any result must stand before a trial of peers and be repeatable and replicable before it can be accepted as fact. And this is the challenge we all face.
ADAM: Additionally, can we truly rule out an intertwined co-dependency between UAP and human consciousness with regard to ‘subconscious projection’? (Aka, are there really ‘Tic-Tacs’ or, are ‘Tic-Tacs’ what some pilots encounter because that’s what is projected when engaged with such anomalous phenomena?). Again, are these more complex hypothetical concepts to be considered in official research as we progress beyond the ‘acceptance phase’ of the general public?
LUE: Unfortunately I am not qualified to answer this question. This is a question that will likely require experts in human mental health, psychology, and neuroscience, none of which am I qualified to offer an opinion.
ADAM: Within #UFOTwitter, there has been a substantial grass roots movement through social media campaigns to expose the mainstream to credible and verifiable UAP info. The aim has been to persuade journalists, media organisations and Congress/Parliament to take the issue seriously. How important is civilian UAP activism to the current initiative, and what advice would you give to the growing number of activists looking to engage this issue seriously?
LUE: I cannot over emphasize the importance of UFO-Twitter and the "grass-roots" effort to expand the conversation. Let's not forget that any and all major change in our world begins with "grass-roots" efforts. In fact, the birth of my country began as a "grass-roots" effort that became a nation. Although I rarely offer my opinion, I will make a exception in this case. I think UFO-Twitter may be one of the only real reasons we have made it this far in this discussion in the last three years. UFO-Twitter transcends all boundaries, including economic, racial, political, geographic, etc. It is one of the only global platforms where everyone has a voice and can be heard. It allows for peer review and scrutiny, it allows for thoughtful debate, and allows a place for people to express their concerns, questions, hopes, and fears regarding this topic. You may be surprised of the types of individuals who are on UFO-Twitter. I can say as fact that some very senior Government individuals use this forum to "check the pulse" of this topic and remain informed. It is the only place that I know that exists where anyone with a good idea or theory can have their moment to speak to the proverbial jury. In short, I think we owe much of our current success to UFO-Twitter, and yes, that includes even the naysayers. I also think UFO-Twitter will continue to grow and help inform and influence the discussion.
ADAM: You are a DOD man, a true patriot, seemingly your first thought is for country and national security which includes the safety of military personnel in the field and enhancing potential defense technology to protect the West against threats. Whereas this is a credible endeavour for DOD personnel, what can you say for the civilian humanitarian effort? Might we one day see some possible UAP based technological benefit that addresses world issues such as global travel, space travel, medical developments/aid, or even climate change?
LUE: YES, absolutely. Let's not forget that most technological advances for society begin as a result of global competition or a defense need. One only has to look at the Apollo space missions in the 1960s and our determination to beat the Russians to the moon to realize nearly 6000 technological advancements and products were developed within that decade. Things like lifesaving technology such as CAT Scans, or LED light bulbs, or microprocessors were all a result of 10 years of geopolitical competition. And in the end, those technologies endure well beyond the initial reasons they were invented and the threats they were intended to defeat. Ultimately, I am hopeful the good from UAP technology will outweigh the bad.
ADAM: Do you ever envisage a time in the future when we will have open, unclassified hearings in congress as to the nature of the phenomenon?
LUE: YES!
ADAM: And finally, using only a few words can you sum up the next few years for UAP research and activism?
LUE: "Pursue", "Discuss", "Engage".
Let me say a massive thank you to Lue, a true patriot and pioneer for UAP transparency. If it weren’t for his courage (and the endeavours of Chris Mellon et al) we would not be aware of this issue on a global stage. After all, this issue is the most significant in human history, and as time plays out will potentially prove to be highly complex in scope and understanding beyond anomalous craft of unknown origin. Possibly, this phenomenon is ‘extraterrestrials’ coming from another planet, my understanding says that it might not be that simple and in reality it is something completely different. Maybe this is something we cannot even comprehend, no more than a seagul understands pictures on a television. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Most people look at UFOs and try to figure out how that reality isn’t possible, what they should have done, is look and see how that reality actually is possible. With this in mind, it is arguably time to start giving this the serious attention it deserves.
As we move into a new age of understanding, we are finding that the phenomenon and its extreme technology might hold the key to many of our issues. After all, we are in the verge of energy crisis and a climate crisis only to find a miraculous answer in the form of an unidentified hyper advanced technology right above our heads this whole time. I’m personally invested in this issue, the mystery and psychological impact it has on us as humans, but more so, I’m interested in how we move forward with this UAPinfo. Organisations such as UAPMedia are now in a position to utilise the incoming data in a way which builds pressure on the British government to establish their own program to investigate the phenomenon.
Maybe Lue is right, maybe we all need to pursue, discuss and engage.
