{"id":19992,"date":"2024-09-26T16:15:45","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T16:15:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theblackvault.com\/documentarchive\/?p=19992"},"modified":"2024-09-26T16:16:52","modified_gmt":"2024-09-26T16:16:52","slug":"noaa-releases-uap-related-correspondence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theblackvault.com\/documentarchive\/noaa-releases-uap-related-correspondence\/","title":{"rendered":"NOAA Releases UAP-Related Correspondence"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released a set of documents related to the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) Task Force (UAPTF) and the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) following a FOIA request from The Black Vault. The request, filed on April 15, 2024, sought all records concerning NOAA’s policies and procedures for sharing information with AARO, including any classified or unclassified documents, memorandums, or agreements dated from 2018 onward.<\/p>\n

NOAA\u2019s initial response indicated that no records were found directly responsive to the FOIA request. Despite this, NOAA took an unusual step by providing previously released correspondence involving AARO and the UAPTF, demonstrating a rare level of agency cooperation with FOIA requesters. In their response letter, NOAA stated, “After searching our files, we were unable to locate records that are responsive to your request. However, we do have previously released records containing correspondence associated with AARO and\/or Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF). You can have access to them, and they are attached for convenience.”<\/em><\/p>\n

It is unclear who the past FOIA requester was that received these, or if the records have ever been published before.<\/p>\n

The attached records offer a window into NOAA\u2019s interactions with military and intelligence agencies on matters related to UAP. One of the documents includes an invitation for AARO personnel to visit NOAA\u2019s Sterling Field Support Center. This visit was part of broader interagency efforts to coordinate on the complexities of UAP sightings.<\/p>\n

Other correspondence revealed NOAA\u2019s meetings with Navy officials during the days of the UAP Task Force, highlighting the agency\u2019s long-standing role in supporting UAP investigations.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

One of the more revealing elements of the release was NOAA\u2019s internal concern over the impact of amateur balloon launches on UAP data. An email from January 24, 2022, addressed the issue of \u201csky trash,\u201d<\/em> a term used by NOAA officials to describe the increasing clutter in the sky caused by various amateur balloon activities. \u201cAlthough STEM is a very valuable initiative, this effort is probably causing some air clutter. Sky trash is becoming a problem and probably needs to be monitored somehow,\u201d<\/em> one email stated. This correspondence highlights how balloon launches, often intended for educational or amateur purposes, can complicate efforts to identify and study unexplained aerial phenomena.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
One slide circulated internally at NOAA highlighted the global reach of balloons, with the ability to circumnavigate the globe multiple times over.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The documents also detailed the challenges NOAA faced in verifying balloon data in relation to UAP events. In a series of emails, NOAA personnel discussed the difficulties of confirming whether NOAA weather balloons were present in areas reported to have UAP sightings. One email noted, \u201cWe have an upcoming meeting (May 3rd) with the Navy regarding the Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon Task Force where the Navy will likely ask us to help check 200 lat\/lon points to verify that an NWS weather balloon was or was not in the area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Throughout the correspondence, NOAA\u2019s emphasis on interagency collaboration was clear. The agency\u2019s willingness to host meetings, share data, and engage with military and intelligence personnel shows NOAA\u2019s proactive role in the broader effort to understand UAP.<\/p>\n

The release of these documents, although not directly responsive to the initial FOIA request, provides a detailed glimpse into NOAA\u2019s involvement with UAP investigations.<\/p>\n

Document Archive<\/h3>\n

NOAA Releases UAP-Related Correspondence<\/a> [166 Pages, 16MB]<\/p>\n