UFO-Vorfall in der Pantex-Anlage, Amarillo, Texas, 2015

[PAGE 1] Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information consolidated nuclear security, llc PANTEX PLANT | Y-12 NATIONAL SECURITY COMPLEX P.O. Box 30020 Amarillo, TX 79120-0020 Office 806.477.3918 Fax 806.477.5690 SEP 0 9 2015 [redacted] Deputy Assistant Manager for Safeguards & Security NNSA Production Office Post Office Box 2050 Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-8009 Dear [redacted]: Pantex Unidentified Object Report Enclosed for your review is the complete report for the Pantex Unidentified Object that occurred on September 2, 2015. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at [redacted] or [redacted] at [redacted]. Sincerely yours, [redacted] Sr. Director, Pantex Pantex SS&ES Operations GDW:ljv Enclosure: As stated c/enc: [redacted] Document transmitted herewith contains UCNI. When separated from attachments, handle this document as Unclassified. UNCLASSIFIED CONTROLLED NUCLEAR INFORMATION NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE Unauthorized dissemination subject to civil and criminal sanctions under section 148 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2168) Reviewing Official: [redacted], CNS Pantex Date: September 8, 2015 Guidance Used: CG-SS-4, Sept 2000, Chg. 7, HQ OC SS&ES-15-1509514-4230-SS&ES Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information [PAGE 2] UCNI Pantex Managed and Operated by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC Pantex Unidentified Object Incident Report September 2, 2015 Pantex Plant Amarillo, TX 79120-0020 UNCLASSIFIED CONTROLLED NUCLEAR INFORNMATION NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE Unauthorized dissemination subject to civil and criminal sanctions under Section 148 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2168) Reviewing Official: [redacted], PTX VA Date: 9/2/2015 Guidance Used: CG-SS-4, 9/2000, Chg. 7, DOE OC SAFEGUARDS, SECURITY, EMERGENCY SERVICES UCNI [PAGE 3] UCNI Pantex Managed and Operated by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC Pantex Unidentified Object Incident Report On September 1, 2015 at approximately 0710 hours, the Pantex Ground Surveillance Radar (GSR) detection system identified an unknown object flying in a non-threatening manner west of Pantex facilities in a northerly trajectory. The Protective Force (PF) responded in accordance with the NPO approved Security Incident Response to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) plan. The object was initially identified just north of Highway 60 and was traveling in a northerly trajectory approximately 10-15mph. PF personnel were alerted to the object and subsequently dispatched to follow it in an effort to obtain as much information about the object as possible. PF personnel on the ground confirmed the presence of the object and maintained observation via PF vehicle. PF personnel followed the object for several miles north of the plant until it was no longer visible. All plant pedestrian and vehicle gates leading into and out of security areas were immediately secured upon identification of an unknown object by the GSR. Furthermore, PF patrols moved to a position to ensure the protection of assets. A subsequent comprehensive review of the incident was immediately initiated. The following text describes actions taken by Central Alarm Station (CAS) and Secondary Alarm Station (SAS) GSR operators, PF officers and Security Police Officers (SPOs) during the event. At approximately 0708 hours, the [redacted] an object approximately 1.75 miles SW of Z-12 South traveling at 10-15 mph (see map below titled, Ground Surveillance Radar Tracks). Several other radar hits were received as the object traversed to the NNW. [redacted] to attempt to locate the object and report its position and direction of travel. A PF Lieutenant (Lt.) and SPO in the area spotted the object and followed it as it traveled north. The Lt. and SPO attempted to intercept the object as it traveled over Pantex Drive in an attempt to view the object directly from below. Although they were unable to catch up to the object, they stopped their vehicle and got out. Once outside, they noted that the object did not make any sound. Furthermore, the Lt. and SPO stated that they were unable to identify any type of propulsion system on the object while using binoculars to assess the object. After viewing it for 1-2 minutes, the object then continued north offsite. The Lt. and SPO then followed the object for several miles north of Pantex before they lost the object due to lack of roadway access. The location where the object was last seen was near County Road G and F.M. 1342. The Carson County Sherriff's office was notified when the object began to traverse off-site and requested to respond to the area and assist in locating the object. A Sherriff's Deputy met the Lt. and SPO at the point where the object was last seen. The Deputy stated that he did not see the object but would perform a search in the area for anything unusual. It was noted that the object seemed to increase in speed and changed direction as it was being followed. The last known direct of the object was that it was heading in an ENE direction. The Lt. and SPO were debriefed upon their return to the UCNI Page 2 of 6 [PAGE 4] UCNI Pantex Managed and Operated by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC Pantex Unidentified Object Incident Report plant. Their perspective of the object was that it was a "diamond" type shape with it being more round at the top. Security Police Officers in a Bearcat with a Common Remotely Operated Weapon System (CROWS) unit were also able to locate and track the object via CROWS camera as it traversed the plant. The SPOs stated that it was 100-200 ft. above the ground and they were able to track the object for 3-5 minutes. The SPOs location was approximately 75-100 meters from the object. Other PF personnel that observed the object, including a SPO that was viewing the object through binoculars described it as being approximately 4 ft. tall and 2 ft. wide at the bottom. The object was also described as being thinner at the top. However, there were some discrepancies in the color of the object. Some personnel stated that it was black in color while others noted that it appeared to be silver, red and blue. Video was obtained from the GSR tower that was closest to the object and subsequently sent to Sandia National Labs for further study (see image below titled, Image from Ground Surveillance Radar Tower). The video does not provide much detail of the object due to the distance of the object to the GSR tower. It should be noted that at no time did the object appear to be threatening in nature nor did it come to close proximity to any sensitive assets. The object remained over open unpopulated areas of the plant prior to it proceeding offsite. All evidence of the incident (i.e. statements, video, etc.) were turned over to FBI agent [redacted]. UCNI Page 3 of 6 [PAGE 5] UCNI Pantex Managed and Operated by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC Pantex Unidentified Object Incident Report Ground Surveillance Radar Tracks [Diagram: Aerial map of the Pantex area with a roughly north-south radar track line marked by yellow pins.] TP-5 07:13 TP-4 07:12 TP-3 07:11 TP-2 07:10 TP-1 07:08 UCNI Page 4 of 6 [PAGE 6] UCNI Pantex Managed and Operated by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC Pantex Unidentified Object Incident Report Image from Ground Surveillance Radar Tower [Diagram: Grayscale radar-tower camera frame showing utility poles, power lines and a building at the right, with a small object in the sky circled in red at upper right.] UCNI Page 5 of 6 [PAGE 7] UCNI Pantex Managed and Operated by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC Pantex Unidentified Object Incident Report Sandia National Labs Enhanced Images of the Object [Diagram: Two blurred, enhanced grayscale images of a dark object, no readable labels.] UCNI Page 6 of 6