The Stephenville Texas UFO Sighting

On January 8, 2008, dozens of residents in and around Stephenville, Texas reported seeing an enormous, silent craft in the evening sky. Some estimated the object was up to a mile long. Fighter jets appeared to pursue it. The Air Force initially denied having aircraft in the area, then reversed their statement.

The Sighting

That evening, multiple witnesses saw lights as a massive object appeared, moving silently over the town. Some saw military jets in pursuit, and reports poured into police.

The Object

Witnesses described enormous size with estimates of 1 mile long, multiple bright lights, silent movement, and a structured, solid appearance. Some even saw a metallic surface.

Key Witnesses

Credible observers included Steve Allen (pilot), Constable Lee Roy Gaitan, business owners, farmers and ranchers, and multiple other professionals.

Steve Allen’s Account

The pilot reported an object 1 mile long and half mile wide, moving at 3,000+ mph, pursued by F-16s. He said it was absolutely silent and like nothing he’d ever seen.

Military Response

Initially, the Air Force denied any aircraft were in the area and no training exercises were acknowledged. The local base said nothing was flying. Two weeks later, the story changed when they admitted F-16s were flying that night.

MUFON Investigation

Investigators found radar data showing an unknown object headed toward Crawford (Bush ranch), making impossible maneuvers. F-16s appeared to pursue the object, and this data was obtained through FOIA.

The Radar Evidence

Analysis revealed the object was tracked on multiple systems with extraordinary speed and maneuvers. It appeared near restricted airspace, confirming military interest, with no conventional explanation.

Media Coverage

The story received national news attention, Larry King Live coverage, CNN investigation, international interest, and ongoing documentation.

Town Response

Stephenville held a UFO conference where witnesses spoke publicly. The community was divided on explanations, with some embracing the attention while the local economy benefited from the interest.

Air Force Reversal

The military’s flip-flop damaged their credibility and suggested an initial cover-up. They didn’t explain the object, only acknowledged the jets were present, leaving the main mystery unsolved.

Significance

The Stephenville case is significant for having mass witnesses, credible observers, radar documentation, proven military involvement, and Air Force credibility issues.

Legacy

The Stephenville UFO sighting became one of the most significant UFO events of the 2000s. The radar data, credible witnesses, and military cover-up attempt made it impossible to dismiss.