{"type":"organizations","slug":"uap-disclosure-network","title":"UAP Disclosure Network","url":"https://disclosdex.com/organizations/uap-disclosure-network","description":"Network of whistleblowers, journalists, and scientists advocating open disclosure of government and private UAP investigation results","date":"2023-03-21T00:00:00.000Z","tags":["Network"],"updated":"2025-06-13T13:26:43.000Z","connectionCount":25,"content":{"markdown":"> A loose network of converging interests and shared nodes\n\nFifteen high-profile names orbit a single storyline: a two-decade effort, moving from [CIA remote-viewing labs](/organizations/central-intelligence-agency) in the 1970s to the [Pentagon](/locations/the-pentagon)'s 2020 UAP Task Force, to study and publicise unidentified phenomena.\n\n\n\n| Name | Role/Title |\n| ------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------- |\n| [Robert Bigelow](/people/robert-bigelow) | Aerospace Entrepreneur |\n| [Colm Kelleher](/people/colm-kelleher) | Biochemist/Research Director |\n| [Eric Davis](/people/eric-davis) | Physicist/Consultant |\n| [Hal Puthoff](/people/harold-hal-puthoff) | Physicist/Engineer |\n| [James Lacatski](/people/james-lacatski) | Defense Intelligence Officer |\n| [Travis Taylor](/people/travis-taylor) | Physicist/Engineer |\n| [Jay Stratton](/people/jay-stratton) | Defense Intelligence Official |\n| [Luis Elizondo](/people/lue-elizondo) | Former Intelligence Officer |\n| [Christopher Mellon](/people/christopher-mellon) | Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense |\n| [Garry Nolan](/people/garry-nolan) | Immunologist/Professor |\n| [Kit Green](/people/kit-green) | Physician/Neuroscientist |\n| [George Knapp](/people/george-knapp) | Journalist |\n| [Jeremy Corbell](/people/jeremy-corbell) | Documentary Filmmaker |\n| [Leslie Kean](/people/leslie-kean) | Investigative Journalist |\n| [David Grusch](/people/david-grusch) | Former Intelligence Officer/Whistleblower |\n\nThe same people appear again and again — first at Robert Bigelow's [Skinwalker Ranch](/locations/skinwalker-ranch), then in the [Defense Intelligence Agency](/organizations/defense-intelligence-agency)'s [AAWSAP](/programs/2007-aawsap) contract, next inside AATIP at the Pentagon, and finally in congressional hearings and headline films. Every member of the list below touches at least two of those nodes, and often many more.[^1][^2]\n\nAdditional, connected people include:\n\n- David Fravor, Former Navy Pilot\n- Avi Loeb, Astrophysicist/Professor\n- Bob Lazar, Alleged Whistleblower\n- Nick Pope, Former UK MoD Official\n- Ryan Graves, Former Navy Pilot\n- Steven Greer, Physician/Disclosure Activist\n\n## Key Interlocks\n\nRobert Bigelow's financial backing was instrumental in the network, as he bankrolled Skinwalker Ranch studies, [NIDS](/organizations/national-institute-for-discovery-science), [BAASS](/organizations/bigelow-aerospace-advanced-space-studies), and AAWSAP, which led to the hiring of Kelleher, Davis, Stratton, and Taylor, and also influenced Lacatski's DIA proposal.[^1][^5]\n\n\n\nThe disclosure pipeline has a consistent pattern: figures like Elizondo and Mellon provide material such as videos to journalists like Kean, who, along with partners like Ralph Blumenthal, publish the information. Corbell and Knapp then syndicate the footage, a route later followed by David Grusch for his own disclosures.[^4][^11]\n\nA group of core scientific consultants, including Green, Puthoff, Davis, and Nolan, shared analyses of alleged metamaterials and medical case files for both AAWSAP and the later UAP Task Force.[^7][^21]\n\nTogether, these overlaps explain why the same names recur in every modern U.S. UAP debate — the network is small, long-running, and tightly connected.\n\n---\n\n## Network Analysis\n\nA small, stable network manages the flow of scarce UAP information. Each member gains different forms of capital — financial, scientific, political, or media — by cycling data through insider channels, private analysis, and public storytelling. The arrangement endures because secrecy creates scarcity, scarcity creates value, and value keeps the participants aligned despite occasional rivalry.\n\nThe Pentagon's own historical review, released in March 2024, states that decades of crash-retrieval, \"alien biologics,\" and reverse-engineering claims trace back to a handful of inter-connected insiders whose stories could not be verified despite full access to every classified program.[^28]\n\nIndependent documents, FOIA correspondence, and public financial filings confirm the same circle's revolving involvement in Bigelow-funded paranormal work, the un-funded \"AATIP\" effort, Tom DeLonge's loss-making [To the Stars Academy](/organizations/to-the-stars-academy), the 2020‐21 Navy UAP Task Force, and today's congressional lobbying.[^23][^24][^25]\n\nNo physical evidence of extraterrestrials was found; most headline videos and sightings are now attributed to balloons, drones, sensor glare, or camera artifacts, while real security issues involve Chinese surveillance balloons and uncontrolled drone activity.[^28][^27]\n\n### Core elements\n\nThe network operates within a landscape defined by several core dynamics. First, evidence remains scarce: classified sensor data, fragmentary physical samples, and a backlog of anecdotal reports form a limited pool of information that all participants compete to access and interpret.\n\nParticipation is incentivized by a range of financial and career rewards, including defense contracts, private aerospace funding, book deals, documentary royalties, and consulting retainers. Public attention also plays a crucial role, as media coverage and congressional hearings provide political leverage and enhance the brand value of those involved.\n\nAt the same time, security barriers — such as NDA-protected programs, compartmented clearances, and strict threat-to-source rules — constrain disclosure and create significant information asymmetry within the group.\n\n### Program Timeline\n\n| Years | Program | People In Charge | Outcome |\n| --------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| 2008-2010 | AAWSAP | James Lacatski, Hal Puthoff, Colm Kelleher, Eric Davis | Focus shifted to Skinwalker Ranch poltergeist reports; DoD judged the reports of \"limited value\" and ended funding.[^28][^29] |\n| 2012-2017 | Informal AATIP (Unfunded) | Luis Elizondo (self-appointed) | Pentagon later said Elizondo \"had no responsibilities\" for any official UAP program.[^30][^31] |\n| 2017-2019 | To the Stars Academy | Elizondo, Christopher Mellon | Public launch of Navy FLIR videos; SEC filing shows a $9.4 million operating loss in 2019.[^32][^33] |\n| 2020-2021 | UAP Task Force | Jay Stratton, Travis Taylor | Missed multiple Chinese spy-balloon incursions while chasing \"metallic orbs.\"[^34][^35] |\n| 2022-2024 | AARO | Sean Kirkpatrick | Full Title 10/50 review; no extraterrestrial craft or bodies found; Volume 1 published 8 Mar 2024.[^28] |\n\n[^28]: https://media.defense.gov/2024/Mar/08/2003409233/-1/-1/0/DOPSR-CLEARED-508-COMPLIANT-HRRV1-08-MAR-2024-FINAL.PDF\n\n[^29]: https://www.vice.com/en/article/brandon-fugal-owner-of-skinwalker-ranch/\n\n[^30]: https://www.theblackvault.com/documentarchive/pentagon-reinforces-mr-luis-elizondo-had-no-responsibilities-on-aatip-senator-harry-reids-2009-memo-changes-nothing/\n\n[^31]: https://documents2.theblackvault.com/documents/osd/20-F-1095.pdf\n\n[^32]: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1710274/000110465920072815/tm2022367d1_partii.htm\n\n[^33]: https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/2165713/statement-by-the-department-of-defense-on-the-release-of-historical-navy-videos/\n\n[^34]: https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3287204/senior-defense-official-holds-a-background-briefing-on-high-altitude-surveillan/\n\n[^35]: https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/article/3288103/general-says-chinese-surveillance-balloon-now-over-center-of-us/\n\n### Actor classes and first-level motives\n\n| Class | Members | Primary payoff | Secondary payoff |\n| ---------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Financier-owner | Robert Bigelow | Revenue, private access to novel information | Prestige for [Bigelow Aerospace](/organizations/bigelow-aerospace) and personal legacy |\n| Intelligence insiders | Mellon, Elizondo, Grusch, Lacatski, Stratton | National security relevance, policy influence | Personal vindication, future consulting work |\n| Scientists & engineers | Green, Puthoff, Davis, Nolan, Taylor | Raw data for research papers, patents, professional reputation | Advisory contracts, conference speaking |\n| Storytellers | Knapp, Corbell, Kean | Exclusive content, audience growth | Licensing fees, influence over the public narrative |\n\nWithin the UAP Disclosure Network, participants can be grouped into several distinct classes, each motivated by different primary and secondary incentives. At the top is the financier-owner, represented by Robert Bigelow, whose involvement is driven by a desire for private access to novel technology and paranormal data, as well as the prestige this brings to Bigelow Aerospace and his personal legacy.\n\nThe intelligence insiders — such as Christopher Mellon, Luis Elizondo, David Grusch, James Lacatski, and Jay Stratton — are primarily motivated by the national security relevance of UAP phenomena and the influence they can exert on policy. For them, personal vindication and the prospect of future consulting work serve as important secondary rewards.\n\nScientists and engineers, including Kit Green, Hal Puthoff, Eric Davis, Garry Nolan, and Travis Taylor, are drawn by the opportunity to obtain raw data for research papers and patents, thereby enhancing their professional reputations. In addition, they benefit from advisory contracts and invitations to speak at conferences.\n\nFinally, the storytellers — George Knapp, Jeremy Corbell, and Leslie Kean — are motivated by access to exclusive content and the potential for audience growth. Their secondary payoffs include licensing fees and the ability to shape and influence the public narrative surrounding UAPs.\n\n### Information flow\n\n1. Military or agency sensors collect UAP data\n2. Insiders bring snippets of that data to private programs (Bigelow-funded or AAWSAP/AATIP) and to select scientists for analysis\n3. Scientists return technical assessments that insiders can cite in briefings\n4. Storytellers package curated material — videos, reports, whistle-blower interviews — for press or streaming platforms, driving public and legislative interest\n5. Political pressure generated by coverage forces additional data releases and budget line-items, restarting the loop\n\nMoney and reputation travel counter-current: public interest → media revenue → higher speaking fees/consults → more research funding.\n\n### Feedback loops\n\n- **Validation loop** — Repetition of each other's claims across scientific papers, classified memos, and documentaries makes uncertain evidence appear stronger.\n- **Scarcity loop** — Limited new data heightens the market value of each leak, encouraging controlled drops rather than full transparency.\n- **Policy loop** — Congressional inquiries trigger new task forces, which hire participants from the same pool, ensuring continuity of influence.\n\n---\n\n## Individual Dossiers\n\n### Kit Green\n\n[Kit Green](/people/kit-green) is a former CIA physician and analyst who funded early remote-viewing experiments, including SCANATE and [Stargate](/programs/1972-project-stargate).[^6][^7] He worked with Hal Puthoff at SRI and later consulted for Bigelow's National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS), bringing him into the Skinwalker Ranch circle.\n\n### Hal Puthoff\n\n[Hal Puthoff](/people/harold-hal-puthoff) is a laser physicist who co-ran the SRI remote-viewing program and later co-founded To the Stars Academy (TTSA).[^8][^9] He was a mentor to Kit Green, was recruited by Robert Bigelow's AAWSAP, and became a partner in TTSA with Lue Elizondo and Christopher Mellon.\n\n### Christopher Mellon\n\n[Christopher Mellon](/people/christopher-mellon), a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, played a key role in the public disclosure of UAP information by leaking the Navy's \"Tic Tac\" videos.[^10][^1] On October 4, 2017, he met with Leslie Kean, Hal Puthoff, and Lue Elizondo to prepare for a New York Times story on the subject. He later served as an advisor to the UAP Task Force.\n\n### George Knapp\n\n[George Knapp](/people/george-knapp) is an investigative reporter for KLAS-TV and \"Coast to Coast AM\" who was the first to bring mainstream attention to Skinwalker Ranch. He has co-authored books with Colm Kelleher and produces media with Jeremy Corbell.[^11]\n\n### Jeremy Corbell\n\n[Jeremy Corbell](/people/jeremy-corbell) is a documentary filmmaker who promotes leaked military footage through his \"Weaponized\" podcast.[^11] He is a media partner of George Knapp and served as a source liaison for the testimony packages related to David Grusch.\n\n### Robert Bigelow\n\n[Robert Bigelow](/people/robert-bigelow), the billionaire owner of Bigelow Aerospace, has been a central figure in UAP research. He purchased Skinwalker Ranch to investigate paranormal claims and was the prime contractor for the Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications Program (AAWSAP).[^1][^12] He employed Colm Kelleher, Eric Davis, Jay Stratton, and Travis Taylor, and hosted the 2007 site visit with James Lacatski that led to the creation of AAWSAP.\n\n### Eric W. Davis\n\n[Eric Davis](/people/eric-davis) is an astrophysicist known for authoring the \"Wilson-Davis Memo,\" a document detailing an alleged conversation about a secret government program to retrieve and study crashed non-human craft, which was later filed in congressional records.[^13][^14] He was a theorist for AAWSAP under Robert Bigelow and has served as a consultant to Christopher Mellon and David Grusch.\n\n### Luis \"Lue\" Elizondo\n\n[Luis Elizondo](/people/lue-elizondo) is a former Army counter-intelligence officer who ran the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) until his resignation in October 2017.[^1][^15] After leaving the government, he joined To the Stars Academy with Hal Puthoff and Christopher Mellon. He frequently appears in projects by Jeremy Corbell and George Knapp and provided briefings to journalist Leslie Kean.\n\n### Jay Stratton\n\n[Jay Stratton](/people/jay-stratton), an engineer from the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), led the UAP Task Force from 2019 to 2021.[^16] His involvement in UAP investigations began earlier with fieldwork for Robert Bigelow at Skinwalker Ranch, where he was identified by the pseudonym \"Axelrod\" in the book _Skinwalkers at the Pentagon_. He frequently teamed with Travis Taylor.\n\n### Travis S. Taylor\n\n[Travis Taylor](/people/travis-taylor) is an aerospace engineer and television scientist who was revealed in 2022 to have been the chief scientist for the UAP Task Force.[^17] He is a long-time colleague of Jay Stratton and appears on the History Channel series \"The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch,\" which is funded by the ranch's current owner, who succeeded Robert Bigelow.\n\n### Colm A. Kelleher\n\n[Colm Kelleher](/people/colm-kelleher) is a biochemist who served as the deputy administrator for NIDS and later as the operations chief for Bigelow Aerospace Advanced Space Studies (BAASS). He is a co-author of _Skinwalkers at the Pentagon_.[^18][^19] He ran the science team at Skinwalker Ranch, co-wrote with George Knapp, and worked directly for Robert Bigelow and James Lacatski.\n\n### James T. Lacatski\n\n[James Lacatski](/people/james-lacatski) was a DIA missile analyst who wrote the 2008 proposal for AAWSAP and managed its $22 million contract.[^5] His visit to Skinwalker Ranch with Robert Bigelow triggered the formation of AAWSAP. He later co-authored the history of the program with Colm Kelleher and George Knapp.\n\n### Leslie Kean\n\n[Leslie Kean](/people/leslie-kean) is an investigative journalist who co-wrote the 2017 _New York Times_ story that first brought mainstream attention to AATIP, as well as the 2023 _Debrief_ exposé on alleged crash retrieval programs.[^4] She works closely with Christopher Mellon and Lue Elizondo and was instrumental in amplifying David Grusch's claims to Congress.\n\n### Garry P. Nolan\n\n[Garry Nolan](/people/garry-nolan) is a Stanford immunologist who analyzes alleged metamaterials and investigates medical cases of individuals reportedly injured during UAP encounters.[^20][^21] He collaborates with Kit Green, Hal Puthoff, and Eric Davis, and was a speaker on UAP technology at the 2023 SALT conference.\n\n### David Grusch\n\n[David Grusch](/people/david-grusch) is a former intelligence officer with the [National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency](/organizations/national-geospatial-intelligence-agency) (NGA) who filed a 2022 Inspector General complaint alleging the existence of secret crash-retrieval programs. He testified before Congress on July 26, 2023, regarding these claims.[^22] His work was supervised by Jay Stratton and he was briefed by Eric Davis, while his disclosure efforts have been championed by Leslie Kean, Jeremy Corbell, and George Knapp.\n\n## Relationship Map\n\n| Person | AAWSAP / BAASS (2008-10) | AATIP (2010-2012) | Skinwalker Ranch | TTSA (2017-2019) | UAP Task Force (2019-21) | AARO / 2022+ | Other Affiliations |\n| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Robert Bigelow | Contractor. BAASS won AAWSAP contract; funded & managed research.[^1][^5][^12] Bigelow Aerospace Advanced Space Studies ran program with $22M.[^12] | Indirect. After AAWSAP, he supported continued efforts via BAASS data but no formal AATIP role. | Owner. Owned Skinwalker Ranch (1996-2016), provided ranch access/data to AAWSAP.[^1][^19] | No official role. Not part of TTSA. (TTSA's efforts built on studies Bigelow funded). | No official role. Not in UAPTF. (Though AAWSAP data influenced later UAPTF work). | No official role. Not in AARO. | Organizations: Founder, NIDS (1995-2004); Bigelow Aerospace (commercial space).[^12] Financial ties: Donor to Sen. Reid (helped initiate program).[^1] After 2010: Bigelow Institute (consciousness research). |\n| Hal Puthoff | Subcontractor/Author. Authored 2+ DIA studies on exotic propulsion (warp drive, etc.) for AAWSAP.[^5][^8] Worked via EarthTech Intl.[^8] | Informal. Advised Elizondo post-2010; AATIP continued some AAWSAP lines. | Consultant. NIDS consultant; familiar with ranch phenomena.[^1][^19] Not directly in AAWSAP's ranch team but in loop. | Co-Founder. VP Science & Tech of TTSA.[^9][^8] Brought credibility & focus on metamaterials. | No official role. Not in UAPTF, but likely briefed them (his AAWSAP papers and expertise recognized). | No official role. May advise behind scenes. Not part of AARO staff. | Background: Laser physicist; led CIA-funded ESP research.[^8] Organizations: Co-founder, EarthTech/IASA (adv. propulsion). Notable: In \"invisible college\" of UFO researchers. |\n| Christopher Mellon | No official role. (On Senate Intel Committee at time, not involved). | No official role. (Was out of gov by 2004; became aware later). | Peripheral. Knew of Skinwalker via Knapp/colleagues, but no direct involvement. | Advisor/Public Face. TTSA government liaison; helped secure & release DoD UFO videos.[^10][^1] Facilitated 2017 NYT story.[^4] | Informal influencer. Briefed lawmakers; helped drive creation of UAPTF.[^2] Not a UAPTF member, but provided input externally. | Advocate. Pushed for AARO via legislative lobbying.[^2] Not on staff, but now a Research Affiliate of Harvard's Galileo Project. | Background: Former Dep. Asst. SecDef/Intelligence.[^10] Advocacy: Published op-eds pushing UAP issue. Projects: Board member, Galileo Project; Advisor to Americans for Safe Aerospace (pilot NGO). |\n| George Knapp | Media liaison. Obtained leaked AAWSAP documents (e.g., report list, Reid letter).[^1][^19] Close to BAASS team; co-authored _Skinwalkers at the Pentagon_ with Lacatski/Kelleher (2021). | Revealer. First revealed \"AATIP\" details on KLAS-TV (2018), using AAWSAP info. Not employed by program, but conduit of info to public. | Investigator/Chronicler. Co-authored _Hunt for the Skinwalker_ (2005) on ranch.[^19] Visited ranch during AAWSAP; personally witnessed phenomena. | No official role. Supported TTSA narrative via media (MysteryWire interviews with Elizondo, etc.). | Media & Liaison. Interviewed UAPTF insiders (e.g., Stratton & Taylor anonymously) and leaked unclassified UAPTF imagery (e.g., \"Mosul orb\") in 2022-23. Sat in 2023 hearing with Grusch.[^22] | No official role. Not part of AARO, but shares leaks (e.g., high-res UAP images) to press. Co-hosts \"Weaponized\" podcast to discuss AARO developments.[^11][^3] | Profession: Investigative journalist (KLAS-TV Las Vegas). Key Role: Longtime friend of Bigelow; often first to release insider info. Notable: Broke Bob Lazar story (1989). Weaponized: Podcast with Corbell (2023- ) disseminating ongoing UAP news. |\n| Jeremy Corbell | None. Was not active in 2008-10 program. | None. No involvement (was an artist/filmmaker then). | Documentarian. Filmed _Hunt for the Skinwalker_ documentary (2018) with Knapp — ranch history & AAWSAP discussed from witness perspective.[^19] | Independent promoter. Not in TTSA, but aligned messaging. (TTSA figures appeared in his Lazar film). Helped sustain public interest in TTSA revelations through his films. | Leaker & Amplifier. 2020-21, leaked UAPTF-confirmed Navy videos (e.g., \"pyramid\" & \"transmedium\" videos).[^11] Worked with Knapp to publicize UAPTF content. Not in UAPTF, but sources within. | Media personality. Not in AARO. Continues to leak Navy/UAPTF materials (e.g., released 2021 Navy UFO encounter footage) which AARO later acknowledged. | Occupation: Filmmaker (Bob Lazar doc, etc.). Podcast: Co-hosts \"Weaponized\" with Knapp. Connections: Protege of Knapp; has Navy contacts leaking him footage. Advocacy: Styles himself as UFO truth advocate, albeit with sensational flair. |\n| Luis \"Lue\" Elizondo | No official role. Joined OUSDI in 2008. By 2010, became AATIP lead in Pentagon (took over effort post-AAWSAP).[^1][^15] | Program Manager (unofficial). Ran AATIP from 2010-2017 within OUSDI.[^15] Focused on military UAP cases (e.g., Nimitz), using some AAWSAP data. | Indirect. Read AAWSAP Skinwalker reports, but did not engage ranch directly. Emphasized nuts-and-bolts threat, not paranormal, in AATIP. | Key Member. TTSA Director of Global Security.[^9][^15] Public face disclosing AATIP. Brought 3 declassified videos to TTSA/NYT.[^1][^4] | No official role. Left gov in 2017. Advised some on UAPTF setup informally; met with senators, etc. (Filed IG complaint in 2021 regarding Pentagon smears.[^22]) | No official role. Not in AARO (due to ongoing disputes with Pentagon). Continues as outside advocate — briefed Congress privately in 2022. | Background: Counterintelligence officer. Notable: Whistleblower highlighting need for UAP attention.[^15] Current: Writing memoir (2024). Involved with Space Coalition consulting on UAP. |\n| David Grusch | None. In 2008, he was cadet/airman. No role. | None. Not applicable (was junior USAF intel). | None. Uninvolved with ranch work. | None. Active-duty intel officer, uninvolved with TTSA. | Member. Intelligence officer on UAP Task Force (2019-21).[^2][^22] Tasked to identify all UAP-related SAPs. Became whistleblower in 2022, alleging hidden crash-retrieval programs.[^22] | Witness. Not part of AARO, but briefed AARO's chief and IG. Testified to Congress (2023) on UAP illegal programs.[^22] Now a public whistleblower figure. | Background: Air Force → NRO → NGA analyst. Claims: Government possesses \"non-human craft & biologics\" hidden from oversight.[^22] Status: Retired from NGA in 2023 to go public; IG complaint pending investigation. |\n| Dr. Kit Green | Possibly subcontract. Authored AAWSAP DIRD on human effects of UAP (medical study).[^36] Consulted via BAASS on \"injuries\" cases from phenomena. | No official role. May have quietly advised Elizondo on medical cases (via friend in AATIP). Not officially in AATIP. | Historic. Investigated paranormal as CIA officer; visited ranch post-2004 (Bigelow invited him to assess phenomena).[^6] His \"weird desk\" legacy influenced AAWSAP focus. | No official role. Not in TTSA. (But colleagues Puthoff/Semivan are, and he's loosely networked with them). | Indirect. Advised some UAPTF members on medical findings (likely via Nolan/experiments).[^20][^21] Not on staff, but his prior work used by UAPTF for context on UAP radiation/health effects. | Consultant. Not AARO staff, but rumored to brief on human physiological effects if asked. His expertise sought by ongoing DHS studies of \"Havana syndrome\" — possibly overlapping phenomena. | Background: MD, former CIA analyst. Notable: Part of \"Invisible College\" (with Vallée, Puthoff, etc.). Current: Private practice in forensic medicine; collaborator with Nolan on publishing case studies. |\n| Dr. Eric Davis | Contractor Scientist. Wrote several AAWSAP technical papers (wormholes, invisibility, warp, etc.).[^5][^8] under EarthTech. Interviewed witnesses for BAASS. | Informal AATIP support. Continued consulting for Elizondo post-2010. Briefed Pentagon and Congress (2019-20) on UAP crash retrieval evidence.[^13][^14] | Peripheral. Aware of Skinwalker findings via AAWSAP colleagues. Not directly at ranch, but analyzed related phenomena theoretically. | No official role. Not TTSA, though TTSA referenced his work (NYT 2020 cited him). Possibly advised Tom DeLonge early on via Puthoff network. | Briefed UAPTF. Gave classified briefing to UAPTF or Pentagon officials on \"off-world vehicles\" (March 2020).[^13][^14] Likely shared notes (e.g., Wilson memo contents). Not a staff member, but his insight fed UAPTF reports. | No official role. Not in AARO (his outspoken statements may preclude clearance assignments now). Could be tapped quietly for expertise on exotic tech. | Affiliations: Former NIDS physicist; later at Aerospace Corp. Reputation: Known for frank \"off-world\" claims. Wilson Memo: Central figure (authored notes of ADM Wilson meeting).[^14] Now: At private research institute; still consulted in UFO circles for deep-black program knowledge. |\n| Dr. Colm Kelleher | BAASS Deputy Administrator. Day-to-day AAWSAP/BAASS program manager.[^18][^19] Led investigations, authored reports, co-wrote _Skinwalkers at the Pentagon_ detailing AAWSAP. | No official role. Left after 2010 when contract ended. Not involved in later AATIP (Elizondo era) except via legacy data. | Principal investigator at Ranch. Stationed there for NIDS and AAWSAP; documented phenomena.[^19] Co-author of key Skinwalker books. | No official role. Not in TTSA. (However, TTSA's narrative leaned on cases his team studied, like Tic Tac and Skinwalker stories). | No official role. Out of gov work. Though UAPTF consulted AAWSAP files he curated (e.g., hitchhiker effect cases referenced quietly). He himself was not on UAPTF. | Independent. Not part of AARO. In 2021, briefed some Senate staff (with Knapp/Lacatski) in book context — to ensure AARO knew of AAWSAP findings. | Background: Biochemist/immunologist. Positions: NIDS Lead Scientist; BAASS science director. Post-2010: Focused on writing and private sector (worked briefly for Bigelow's consciousness study). Unique: One of two (with Lacatski) to experience paranormal on gov payroll and later disclose it. |\n| Dr. James Lacatski | DIA AAWSAP Program Manager. Conceived program.[^5] Secured funding via Reid.[^1] Oversaw BAASS contract deliverables. Visited Skinwalker & had \"spectral\" sighting.[^19] Co-authored _Skinwalkers at the Pentagon_. | No official role. AAWSAP ended 2010; attempted to transition it. Provided continuity by handing off some responsibilities to Stratton. Retired ~2011. No direct AATIP role after. | Catalyst at Ranch. His 2007 Skinwalker sighting propelled AAWSAP.[^19] Supported ongoing surveillance at ranch under contract. Post-retirement, possibly visited ranch privately. | No official role. Retired by TTSA launch. (However, TTSA benefitted indirectly from his AAWSAP groundwork). | No official role. Not in UAPTF (retired). But UAPTF head Stratton was his protégé; Stratton used AAWSAP's database Lacatski helped build. | No official role. Outside gov now. But briefed AARO leadership via his book and possibly classified addenda (ensuring AARO aware of AAWSAP legacy). | Background: DIA intelligence analyst (Ph.D. rocket propulsion). Key Influence: Pushed UFO topic into DIA with Reid's help.[^1] Nickname: \"Axelrod\" in earlier accounts. Today: Publicly quiet except for 2021 book & one podcast, having said his piece about hidden phenomena. |\n| Jay Stratton | DIA Analyst Involved. Worked with Lacatski at DIA/ONI. Visited Skinwalker Ranch under AAWSAP; witnessed phenomena (hitchhiker effect) — pseudonym \"Axelrod\".[^19] | Carried on AATIP. After 2010, at ONI he spearheaded ongoing UFO analysis. Authored internal UAP intelligence reports (2018) for Pentagon. Collaborated with Elizondo informally. | Skinwalker Ranch Experiencer. His family allegedly had paranormal events post-ranch. This convinced him phenomenon was real threat. Kept tabs on ranch data through AAWSAP colleagues. | No official role. Not in TTSA (was still active duty, quietly working issue). Did meet TTSA folks unofficially for info-sharing. | Director. Led UAPTF (2019-2021) under ONI.[^2] Oversaw 2021 UAP Report. Recruited Travis Taylor as chief scientist.[^17] | No official role. Retired 2021. Possibly consults for AARO indirectly as contractor at Radiance Tech. Known to brief AARO head via transition. | Background: Navy intelligence officer. Now: Working at Radiance Technologies (defense contractor) alongside Taylor. Known for: \"5 observables\" concept. Security: Maintains clearance; likely advising behind scenes. |\n| Dr. Travis Taylor | None. Working Army projects at time; UFOs not in job. | None. No role. (Though claims he had personal UFO sightings pre-2010). | TV Investigator. Starting 2019, star of _Secret of Skinwalker Ranch_ show — applied science to ranch mysteries, some overlap with AAWSAP history. Not an AAWSAP participant, but retraced some experiments on camera.[^17] | No official role. Not in TTSA. (Public persona in parallel UFO media, not linked to TTSA's team). | Chief Scientist. (2019-2021).[^17] Brought sensor & weapons expertise. Co-wrote UAP reports; analyzed Navy videos. Role kept secret until 2022, then confirmed by Pentagon. | No official role. Not in AARO (civilian now). However, after revealing himself, he's advocated for AARO transparency and possibly provides informal advice. Now with Radiance Tech supporting Stratton (could be AARO contractor). | Profession: Aerospace engineer for DoD. TV persona: \"Science guy\" on UFO/paranormal shows. Critique: His supernatural-tinged TV comments shocked some in Pentagon. Post-gov: Continues Skinwalker show; vocal about UAP reality in media. |\n| Leslie Kean | Journalist. Not involved in program, but reported on AAWSAP retrospectively in 2021 (_New Yorker_).[^4][^1] Had sources (e.g., Lacatski/Kelleher) for AAWSAP story context. | None. Unaware until 2017 when briefed on AATIP. | Covered it. Interviewed Skinwalker researchers for articles; aware of ranch's influence on AAWSAP (revealed that in 2021 profile).[^4] | Journalist Co-author. Broke Dec 2017 NYT piece exposing AATIP.[^4] Central in making TTSA's info public. Later NYT pieces ('19, '20) kept TTSA-related narrative going. | Media, no official role. Interviewed UAPTF ex-members for articles; wrote in 2021 about UAPTF's findings in _New Yorker_.[^4] Briefed congressional staff on UAP in 2019. | Media & advising. Continues to cover AARO developments in mainstream press. No official role, but sources feed her AARO-related scoops. Possibly informal advisor to some legislators due to expertise. | Background: Investigative reporter focusing on UFOs & paranormal. Publications: 2010 book _UFOs: Generals, Pilots, and Govt Officials on the Record_. Approach: Credible evidence advocacy. Other: 2023 co-authored piece on alleged reincarnation (later retracted) — a rare controversy for her. |\n| Dr. Garry Nolan | None. Not engaged until mid-2010s. | None. Unconnected to AATIP initially. Began looking at phenomena data around 2014 via Kit Green. | Medical analysis. Post-2014, examined Skinwalker-associated injuries (on AAWSAP investigators and others) with Kit Green.[^20][^21] This was after AAWSAP but dealing with its legacy (hitchhiker effect cases). | Peripheral. Not in TTSA, though TTSA's 2019 metamaterials analysis claims likely involved Nolan (he examined TTSA-offered metal samples).[^21] | Consulted. Nolan's analyses of UFO materials & injuries were shared with UAPTF. (He briefed some government officials on _\"exotic materials analysis\"_ and brain scan findings). Not an official member, but his work influenced understanding of medical cases. | Academic Researcher. Not AARO staff, but now on NASA's UAP study team (2023) and advising Galileo Project (which could partner with AARO).[^21] Could be tapped by AARO for lab analysis if materials are obtained. | Credentials: Tenured Stanford Professor. Research: UFO metamaterials (isotopic analysis).[^20][^21] UAP witness health effects (published methodology 2022). Public stance: Believes some UAP are non-human intelligence (based on evidence).[^21] Other: Member, Galileo Project; participated in SCU and SALT conferences on UAP. |\n\n### CIA/DIA Remote-Viewing (1970-1995)\n\nThe remote-viewing programs conducted by the CIA and DIA, which included projects SCANATE and Stargate, involved both Kit Green and Hal Puthoff.[^6]\n\n### Skinwalker Ranch Investigations (1996-Present)\n\nThe investigations at Skinwalker Ranch have been a central node for many key figures. This work began with the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS), continued under the Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications Program (AAWSAP), and is now the subject of an ongoing television series. Individuals directly involved include Robert Bigelow, Colm Kelleher, George Knapp, Eric Davis, Jay Stratton, Travis Taylor, and James Lacatski.[^1][^19]\n\n### AAWSAP (2008-2010)\n\nThe Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications Program (AAWSAP) was a $22 million DIA contract that produced over 100 Defense Intelligence Reference Documents (DIRDs). The program involved Robert Bigelow, Colm Kelleher, James Lacatski, Jay Stratton, Eric Davis, and Hal Puthoff.[^5]\n\n### AATIP (2010-2017)\n\nThe Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) succeeded AAWSAP and operated within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence (OUSDI). Key members included Lue Elizondo, Christopher Mellon, Hal Puthoff, and Eric Davis.[^1]\n\n### To the Stars Academy (2017-2020)\n\nTo the Stars Academy (TTSA), founded by Tom DeLonge, served as a vehicle for public UAP-related releases and included Hal Puthoff, Christopher Mellon, and Lue Elizondo.[^9]\n\n### UAP Task Force (2019-2022)\n\nThe UAP Task Force was a Navy-led initiative ordered by Congress. It was directed by Jay Stratton, with Travis Taylor as chief scientist, David Grusch as the NGA liaison, and Christopher Mellon as an advisor.[^2]\n\n### Media & Disclosure (2017-2025)\n\nThe public disclosure effort has been driven by a small group of journalists and insiders. This includes the 2017 _New York Times_ article, the _Weaponized_ podcast, and the 2023 article in _The Debrief_. Key figures in this media ecosystem are Leslie Kean, George Knapp, Jeremy Corbell, Christopher Mellon, Lue Elizondo, and David Grusch.[^11][^4]\n\n[^1]: https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/12/16/pentagon-ufo-search-harry-reid-216111\n\n[^2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-domain_Anomaly_Resolution_Office\n\n[^3]: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/weaponized-episode-60/id1664299388\n\n[^4]: https://thedebrief.org/intelligence-officials-say-u-s-has-retrieved-non-human-craft\n\n[^5]: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/03/07/how-believers-paranormal-birthed-pentagons-new-hunt-ufos.html\n\n[^6]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stargate_Project_%28U.S._Army_unit%29\n\n[^7]: https://graham-pemberton.medium.com/the-reality-of-esp-uri-geller-88a1c93002f1\n\n[^8]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_E._Puthoff\n\n[^9]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_The_Stars_Inc.\n\n[^10]: https://cybernews.com/tech/christopher-mellon-ufo-uap-sightings/\n\n[^11]: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/weaponized-episode-60/id1664299388?i=1000673209031\n\n[^12]: https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/12/17/571446881/secret-pentagon-program-spent-millions-to-research-ufos\n\n[^13]: https://www.congress.gov/117/meeting/house/114761/documents/HHRG-117-IG05-20220517-SD001.pdf\n\n[^14]: https://unidentifiedphenomena.com/topics/wilson-davis-memo/\n\n[^15]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luis_Elizondo\n\n[^16]: https://www.metabunk.org/threads/are-all-u-s-government-ufo-projects-linked-to-skinwalker-ranch.12490/\n\n[^17]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travis_S._Taylor\n\n[^18]: https://impossiblearchives.rice.edu/flash-talk-speakers/colm-a-kelleher\n\n[^19]: https://thedebrief.org/colm-kelleher-aawsap-and-the-skinwalker-enigma/\n\n[^20]: https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/garry-nolan\n\n[^21]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garry_Nolan\n\n[^22]: https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Dave_G_HOC_Speech_FINAL_For_Trans.pdf\n\n[^23]: [FOIA documents, The Black Vault](https://www.theblackvault.com/documentarchive/foia-documents-reveal-aaros-authorized-and-repeated-attempts-to-engage-with-david-grusch/)\n\n[^24]: [SEC filings, To the Stars Academy](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1710274/000110465920072815/tm2022367d1_partii.htm)\n\n[^25]: [DoD statement on Navy videos, defense.gov](https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/2165713/statement-by-the-department-of-defense-on-the-release-of-historical-navy-videos/)\n\n[^27]: [Senior Defense Official briefing on surveillance balloons, defense.gov](https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3287204/senior-defense-official-holds-a-background-briefing-on-high-altitude-surveillan/)\n\n[^36]: [The Black Vault PDF: Clinical Medical Acute & Subacute Field Effects on Human Dermal & Neurological Tissues](https://www.theblackvault.com/documentarchive/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/kitgreen-dird.pdf)","readingTime":"25 min read"},"relatedRecords":[{"ref":{"type":"people","slug":"jay-stratton","title":"Jay Stratton","url":"https://disclosdex.com/people/jay-stratton"},"direction":"outbound","weight":2},{"ref":{"type":"people","slug":"james-lacatski","title":"James T. 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