The “Tic-Tac” UFO (2004) – The USS Nimitz Encounter
Short description of the event
On November 14, 2004, U.S. military pilots from the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group observed an unidentified flying object characterized by its tic-tac-like shape and unusual flight maneuvers. The object was detected visually as well as by radar and infrared sensors. It was capable of flying at extreme speeds, changing direction abruptly, and appeared to react to the pilots' movements. The U.S. government later confirmed the authenticity of the recorded videos.
When and where did this all happen?
The encounter occurred on November 14, 2004, off the coast of California in the Pacific Ocean. The USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, a group of US Navy aircraft carriers and escort ships, was involved.
Main features of the event
The object was oval, white, approximately 12–14 meters long, and had no wings or discernible propulsion systems. It performed extremely fast maneuvers with abrupt changes in direction—beyond the G-forces a human could endure. Radar recordings from the USS Princeton confirmed the object, which moved from an altitude of over 24 km to sea level in seconds. Several pilots saw the object with their own eyes, and infrared cameras on F/A-18 Hornets recorded it.
Investigation and clarification attempts
The images were published by the New York Times in 2017 and later confirmed as authentic by the Pentagon. The object was officially classified as an "Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon" (UAP). The Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) concluded that no known technology could explain these aerial feats. Skeptics suspected optical illusions, secret drones, or military tests. So far, no terrestrial origin has been proven, nor has extraterrestrial origin been established.
List of the most credible witnesses
Commander David Fravor , an experienced Navy pilot, saw the object at close range and attempted to track it. His co-pilot, Lieutenant Commander Jim Slaight, confirmed the sighting. Radar operators on the USS Princeton recorded the object several times, suddenly appearing, moving extremely quickly, and then disappearing. Luis Elizondo, a former Pentagon official and director of AATIP, investigated the case and emphasized that there is no known explanation for the object.
Conclusion on credibility
The Tic-Tac UFO is one of the best-documented UFO incidents of recent decades. High-ranking, credible witnesses, objective measurement data, and authenticated video evidence point to a real event involving a previously unexplained object.
Pro-credibility: Numerous professional witnesses, official recordings, extraordinary maneuvers beyond today's technology.
Counter-credibility: No information on the origin of the object, possible secret technology not excluded.
Credibility: Very high, but the origin of the object remains unclear.