Pantex Plant Unidentified Object Incident Report, September 1, 2015

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Key entities:
*   **Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS)**
*   **Pantex Plant**
*   **Y-12 National Security Complex**

There is also a stamp or mark that reads "Unclassifi".

dear Information

P.O. Box 30020
Office 806.477.3918
Amarillo, TX 79120-0020
Fax 806.477.5690

SEP 09 2015

Deputy Assistant Manager
for Safeguards & Security
NNSA Production Office
Post Office Box 2050
Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-8009

Dear

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PANTEX

Managed and Operated by
Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC

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PanTEX

Managed and Operated by
Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC

UCNT

Pantex Unidentified Object Incident Report

# Pantex Unidentified Object
Incident Report (cont.)

On September 1, 2015 at approximately 0710 hours, the Pantex Ground Surveillance Ra da r (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 ~curity 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-lSmph. 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.

# Pantex Unidentified Object
Incident Report (cont.)

A subsequent comprehensive review of the incident was immediately initiated. The following text describes actlons taken by Central Alarm Station (CAS) and Secondary Alarm Station (SAS) GSR operators, PF officers and Security Police Officers (SPOs) during the event.

# Pantex Unidentified Object
Incident Report (cont.)

At approximately 0708 hours, the 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. 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 inter ce pt 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 binocuJars 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 las t seen was near County Road G and F.M. 1342. The Carson County Sherriff's office was notified when the object began to tr.averse 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

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PanTEX

Managed and Operated by
Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC

UCNI

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 not ed that it appeared to be silver, red and blue.

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PanTEX

Managed and Operated by
Consolidated Nuclear Security LLC

UCN !

# Pantex Unidentified Object Incident Report

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PanTEX

Managed and Operated by
Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC

UCNI

Pantex Unidentified Object Incident Report

[page 7]
PanTEX

Managed and Operated by
Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC

UCNI

Pantex Unidentified Object Incident Report

# Sandia National Labs Enhanced Images of the Object

UCNI

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