UFO sighting over Kadena, Okinawa in 1961

Summary

In October 1961, a U.S. Air Force officer at Kadena, Okinawa, reported an object with a bright tail that disintegrated after a descending trajectory. The object, observed for only a few seconds, was moving northward and was described as resembling a bolide. Although initially considered a UFO, investigators concluded there was no evidence to support that. The report noted no satellite reentries that day and that the description matched a common astronomical phenomenon.

The report includes weather data and testimonies from three pilots, whose accounts aligned. Despite the brief observation, investigators concluded there was no reason to consider the object as unknown origin. The case was filed without further action, indicating no additional investigations were needed.