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After nearly a year-long pursuit, The Black Vault has secured a significant release from the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request FA-22-0005, submitted on June 30, 2022.
The request sought all emails sent to/from Dr. Travis Taylor, a senior scientist within the SMDC’s space division, containing specific keywords related to Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs), more commonly known as UFOs. Dr. Taylor, as highlighted on the US Army’s official website, has had a decorated career in the space and defense sector, and his credentials make him an authoritative figure in the field.
Recently, reports have emerged suggesting he was the “chief scientist” of the UAP Task Force (UAPTF), the Pentagon’s internal group aimed at investigating UFO sightings and incidents. The UAPTF has since disbanded, as it spawned other, more updated and focused efforts, the most recent called AARO. These documents now seemingly back up that reporting about Dr. Taylor’s role, with one e-mail written just prior to the UAPTF’s establishment while that UAP investigative effort was simply referred to as an “Interagency Task Force” or ITF.
The released document above, along with others, are likely written by John “Jay” Stratton, who has now been confirmed as the former chief of the UAP Task Force. Above, Stratton was leading the ITF investigating UAP, however, another document in this FOIA release highlights his “Director” status once the UAPTF was officially established. This email, written on October, 30, 2020, sought approval for travel, likely for Dr. Taylor who worked within SMDC.
Lastly of note, another email reveals what appears to be a previously unknown event held by the U.S. Space Force. Written by the Office of the Chief Scientist, United States Space Force, on July 16, 2020, it outlined a “Innovation Talk Series” with Dr. Taylor to be held on July 16, and July 23, 2020.
The “Chief Scientist” for the U.S. Space Force, who likely wrote the above e-mail, is Dr. Joel Mozer, who has served in that position since October of 2018. The Black Vault has filed a FOIA request for videos of these presentations by Dr. Taylor, though it is unclear if they would touch on UAP or UFOs. Those recorded presentations, if received, will be posted when available.
However, the FOIA release has raised more questions than it has answered. The response included significant redactions, citing FOIA Exemptions 3, 5, and 6. Exemption 3 pertains to information prohibited from disclosure by another federal statute, while Exemption 5 protects inter-agency or intra-agency memorandums or letters from disclosure. Exemption 6 is utilized to protect personal, medical, or similar files when disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
Of the documents released, 28 pages were withheld in full, while only 8 pages of substance were released partially. The heavy redactions and withheld pages continue to raise important questions about the level of secrecy maintained around the subject of UAPs. What information lies behind these redactions that warrants such a level of protection? Given the public interest in UAPs, such secrecy may not be justified.
Furthermore, it is important to note that these documents do not represent the entirety of the responsive material. An undisclosed number of additional pages were transferred to the U.S. Navy for processing and release. This suggests that there is still more to be learned from Dr. Taylor’s email communications.
The Black Vault plans to challenge the redaction decision and seek greater transparency. This appeal will be an important step in continuing to press for more openness from the government on the topic of UAPs.
The release of these documents, albeit heavily redacted, is a significant milestone in the quest for understanding the true extent of the U.S. military’s engagement with UAPs. The Black Vault will continue to push for transparency and disclosure, shedding light on this fascinating and enduring mystery.
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FOIA FA-22-0005 Released Records [53 Pages, 15MB]
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