A former director of AARO, Sean Kirkpatrick offered sceptical readings of several cases in the archive. On the Calvine photograph of 1990, he saw a reflection in water. Critics noted there is no water body on that hillside. After the 2023 Lake Huron shootdown, he said the objects were balloons. The U.S. government has never publicly identified the Lake Huron object. He was also a critic of David Grusch's claims at the 2023 congressional hearing, where he said Grusch had refused to speak with AARO.
Stories5

Former AARO director who commented on the 2026 release

Former AARO director who suggested the image shows a reflection

Former AARO chief, reported as saying next-generation drones are spherical

Former AARO director who said the objects shot down were balloons
