From Flying Saucers To National Security Concern

The Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) phenomenon has undergone a significant transformation over the past three-quarters of a century, evolving from scattered sightings of “flying saucers” to a modern national security issue discussed openly in Congress. Two veterans, Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe and Luis Elizondo, played pivotal roles in shaping this shift.

Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe, a U. S. Marine Corps officer and aviator, was born in 1897 and graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy. His military service and experience with aviation technology gave him a unique perspective on the reports of mysterious objects in the sky. As a respected aviation journalist, Keyhoe approached these sightings with a critical eye, refusing to dismiss them as mass hysteria or simple misidentifications.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Keyhoe took the sightings seriously, noting the consistency of the reports and the inadequacy of official explanations. His work helped bring attention to the phenomenon, forcing the United States to confront uncomfortable questions about what is operating in its airspace and how much the government should disclose to the public.

The efforts of Keyhoe and Elizondo have contributed significantly to the UAP phenomenon’s transformation into a legitimate national security concern.