View original document (0.3 MB) PDF viewer unavailable in this browser. Download the PDF to view. A recently released document from the U.S. Department of War, titled “DOW-UAP-D42, Range Fouler Debrief, Japan, 2023,” sheds light on a 2020 incident in which a U.S. military operator reported observing an unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP) in the Arabian Gulf. According to the document, the operator described seeing an “object fly through the screen,” followed by a second object that surpassed the first at a higher speed.
The report goes on to describe a total of three UAPs “moving amongst each other” during the incident, which occurred on August 31, 2020. The Department of War document, part of the PURSUE archive, provides a standardized reporting form used by the U.S. Navy to record unauthorized intrusions into controlled airspace.
The form, known as a Range Fouler Debrief Form, contains a narrative description of the observer’s experiences and is used to collect data on such incidents. The document notes that all descriptive and estimative language contained in the report reflects the reporter’s subjective interpretation at the time of the event and should not be interpreted as a conclusive indication of the presence or absence of any intrinsic object features or performance characteristics.
Document Details and Agency Context
The document provides specific details about the incident, including the date, time, and location of the sighting, as well as the operator’s description of the UAPs. The form also includes questions about the contact’s movement, speed, and direction, as well as any notable features such as wings, airframe, or markings. The Department of War’s release of this document under the PURSUE archive suggests a commitment to transparency and accountability in reporting on UAP incidents.
According to the Wikipedia entry “List of reported UFO sightings,” UAPs are generally considered to include any perceived aerial phenomenon that cannot be immediately identified or explained. The entry notes that upon investigation, most UAPs are identified as known objects or atmospheric phenomena, while a small number remain unexplained.
Per Wikipedia’s summary of the topic, the term “UAP” is sometimes used to avoid cultural associations with UFO conspiracy theories. The Department of War document’s official description offers limited detail beyond the operator’s narrative description of the incident. However, the release of this document contributes to a growing body of information on UAP incidents and highlights the need for continued reporting and analysis.
As the PURSUE archive continues to release documents related to UAP incidents, readers can expect to gain a deeper understanding of these events and their significance.
Future Releases and Unanswered Questions
While the “DOW-UAP-D42, Range Fouler Debrief, Japan, 2023” document provides valuable insight into a specific UAP incident, many questions remain unanswered. The document’s release raises questions about the frequency and nature of UAP incidents, as well as the methods used to investigate and analyze these events. As the U.S. Department of War continues to release documents under the PURSUE archive, readers should watch for future releases that may shed more light on these topics.
Additionally, the release of this document highlights the importance of continued transparency and accountability in reporting on UAP incidents, and readers can expect to see further analysis and discussion of these events in the coming months. Ultimately, the “DOW-UAP-D42, Range Fouler Debrief, Japan, 2023” document contributes to a growing body of information on UAP incidents and highlights the need for continued reporting and analysis.
As the PURSUE archive continues to release documents related to UAP incidents, readers can expect to gain a deeper understanding of these events and their significance. While many questions remain unanswered, the release of this document represents an important step towards greater transparency and accountability in reporting on UAP incidents.





