Pantex Unidentified Object Incident Report, 2015

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Con>06dat•<I Nucl•• s«i ,nty. llC Pantex Unidentified Object Incident Report
On September 1, 2015 at approximately 0710 hours, the Pantex Ground Surveillance Radar
(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 t o 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.
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.
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 intercept 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 last 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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