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New York Post
19 hours ago
- General
- New York Post
Former US fighter pilot claims he nearly collided with UFO in ‘wildest experience' he's ever had
A former US combat fighter pilot claims a UFO encounter he had while zipping around in the sky at 30,000 feet was one of the 'wildest experiences' he's had in his seasoned military career. Maj. Ryan Bodenheimer, a former ace of the US Air Force Thunderbirds and F-15E combat fighter pilot, recounted on his YouTube channel earlier this month how he came close to almost colliding with a UFO shaped like a 'perfect rectangle' while on a training mission in southern Wyoming. Bodenheimer alleged that he was flying during the day at about 30,000 feet in the sky, at a speed of 400 knots (460 mph), when a 'bright object' caught his attention off in the distance, 'out of nowhere.' 4 US Air Force Maj. Ryan Bodenheimer, United States Air Force Thunderbirds pilot #2 speaks with JROTC students at Vanden High School, Fairfield, Calif., on May 5, 2017. U.S. Air Force However, Bodenheimer realized that the object was on a 'collision course' with his aircraft. 'I put my hand on the control stick, I'm about to turn off the autopilot, and then I realized we weren't going to hit, and all of a sudden it came more into view, and it was a rectangular shape,' he said. 'This was like essentially a perfect rectangle.' He claims the object appeared to be '30 to 40 feet' high, with 'bright white' along the outside edges that looked to be 'glowing' and a clear center. 'I know it sounds like I'm talking about a delicious pastry, but this was the wildest experience I've ever had,' the former fighter pilot said. Bodenheimer, for a moment, theorized that the object could be a weather balloon, but he claimed that it didn't look like anything he had ever seen in the sky before. 4 Bodenheimer alleged that he was flying during the day at about 30,000 feet in the sky, at a speed of 400 knots (460 mph), when a 'bright object' caught his attention off in the distance, 'out of nowhere.' Youtube / Max Afterburner 'There's no wings on this thing, no exhaust. The edges were so bright they were pulsing. Aerodynamically, this thing shouldn't be going at close to 400 knots. For a rectangle to be flying through the air was a wild experience,' he said. He said that he wasn't picking up any signal on his radar and wasn't experiencing any radio interference as it kept pace with his jet at 400 knots just a short distance away. 'It really was defying any type of aeronautical laws that I've learned,' Bodenheimer shared. The suspected UFO then 'zooms off,' and Bodenheimer said he called into air traffic control to report the encounter. 4 Bodenheimer claims the object appeared to be '30 to 40 feet' high, with 'bright white' along the outside edges that looked to be 'glowing' and a clear center. Air Force Thunderbirds 4 Bodenheimer maneuvers his F-16 Fighting Falcon on the flight line at Langley Air Force Base, Va., on April 24, 2016. U.S. Air Force After telling the controller what happened, he said there was a 'dead silence' before they told the fighter pilot they'd have other aircraft be on the lookout for the object. 'I never heard anything about it [after],' the former fighter pilot said. However, he did do some searching of his own and said there was a report filed that day on an 'anomalous object' spotted in his area. Bodenheimer said for years he never wanted to discuss his two run-ins with UFOs after worrying about the 'stigma' around other pilots who have shared their encounters. However, the pilot-turned-YouTuber said that since the stigma has dissipated, he is more comfortable opening up about his experience, with more reports of military pilots encountering UFO-like objects in the sky over the last two decades. Southern Wyoming is notoriously known for having some of the most UFO sightings in the country, according to the Cowboy State Daily. The city of Cheyenne, which is home to Warren Air Force Base, has had over 50 reported aerial phenomena, out of the state's 421 sightings since 1995.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
U.S. Issues Security Warning for Biggest Middle East Base
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. has issued a security warning for access to its largest air base in the Middle East at Doha in Qatar amid an intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran. Newsweek has contacted the Pentagon for comment. Why It Matters The warning, along with the redeployment of military assets in the region, signals the U.S. stepping up defense and readiness against possible threats from Iran or proxy regional groups ahead of a potential attack on Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Senate committee on Wednesday that the U.S. military stands prepared to execute any decision President Donald Trump makes regarding Iran. In this handout photo from the U.S. Air Force, an airman guides an F-16 Fighting Falcon during training at Al-Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Jan. 24, 2022. In this handout photo from the U.S. Air Force, an airman guides an F-16 Fighting Falcon during training at Al-Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Jan. 24, 2022. U.S. Air Force/Capt. Mahalia Frost/AP What To Know "Out of an abundance of caution and in light of ongoing regional hostilities, the U.S. Embassy has advised its personnel to exercise increased vigilance and has temporarily restricted access to Al Udeid Air Base," the American embassy in Qatar said in a security alert on its website. "We recommend that U.S. citizens in Qatar take similar precautions," the statement added. The U.S. has its largest Middle East air base Al-Udeid, in Qatar which also hosts others U.S. military bases. Iran has previously threatened to attack U.S. targets in the region if it comes under attack by the U.S. or Israel. While on a high-profile visit to Qatar last month, Trump visited Al-Udeid base, where he addressed troops saying: "No visit in the Gulf would be complete without stopping to salute the people who keep America safe, strong and free." In 2024, the base was used by the U.S. for the deployment of the nuclear-capable B-52H Stratofortress bombers. What People Are Saying U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Senate hearing on Wednesday: "We know right now that Iran understands exactly what the president is saying. He said 60 days. The world can believe it, the world cannot believe it, but he said 60 days. they had an opportunity to make a deal, they should have made a deal. President Trump's word means something, the world understands that and at the Defense Department our job is to stand ready and prepared for options and that's precisely what we're doing." What Happens Next The big question is whether the United States gets involved directly by attacking Iran, which could then bring attacks on U.S. forces in the region.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Full List of U.S. Military Deployments That Point to War With Iran
Scrutiny is mounting over a potential U.S. role in the Israel-Iran conflict. After denying involvement in Israel's first strikes on strategic sites across Iran, the U.S. has adopted a tougher tone towards Tehran and has bolstered military deployment in the Middle East. Commenting on the deployments, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said they aimed to enhancing the United States defensive postures in the region. Below is a full list that Newsweek has been able to assemble of U.S. naval and aerial military assets in or heading to the region, according to officials, multiple open-intelligence analysts, tracking data, media and defense outlets. The U.S. military is increasing its air power in the Middle East with the deployment of more F-16s, F-22s and F-35 fighter jets and extending current warplane missions, three U.S. officials told Reuters. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a highly adaptable fighter aircraft used extensively by the United States and its allies. The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II represent a newer generation of stealth combat aircraft developed for complex operational needs. U.S. aerial refueling aircraft are on their way to the Middle East as the war between Israel and Iran escalates, according to flight data tracking sources. These would be needed for any sustained operations over Iran. This includes KC-135R Stratotankers, the U.S. Air Force's primary aerial refueling aircraft. It also includes KC-46A Pegasus tankers, the next-generation aerial refueling tanker. U.S. officials said the tankers may join a NATO exercise in Europe. The State Department told diplomats to assure hosts the tankers are not backing Israeli air operations in Iran. The United States has been building up its bomber force at the Indian Ocean island base of Diego Garcia. These could be used in any strikes on Iran's nuclear sites with bunker buster munitions that Israel does not possess. Satellite images analysed by Newsweek have shown increasing deployments in recent weeks. B-2 Spirit stealth bombers can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons, including bunker-busting bombs designed to target deep underground facilities. B-52H Stratofortress Bombers, known for their long-range strike capabilities. U.S. Navy vessels have departed the key Manama port in Bahrain, according to satellite imagery, currently underway in the U.S. Central Command area of operations. Vessels in the region include littoral combat ships, fast, agile, and networked surface vessels designed for operations close to shore and mine countermeasure vessels, to neutralize mines using advanced sonar systems. There is also the M/V Ocean Trader, a special operations mothership supporting U.S. forces. Aircraft carrier strike groups provide mobile firepower when required in their own right and support of other operational units. One carrier group is currently in the Middle East and another is on the way. The USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group has recently been operating in the Arabian Sea with an air wing consisting of F-35C Lightning IIs, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, CMV-22 Ospreys and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks. It took part in weeks of air strikes against the Yemeni-based Houthis, an Iranian-backed militia, before a ceasefire was reached early last month. The USS Nimitzcarrier group is now in transit from the Western Pacific toward the Middle East and was recently in Southeast Asia. Its airwing includes F/A-18C/E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Hawkeyes, C-2A Greyhounds and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks. Patriot missile defense units were moved in April by the U.S. military from the Pacific region to the Middle East. The full battalion of air‑defense gear-flew in 73 C‑17 cargo plane trips. The Patriot system is widely regarded as a leading ground-based air defense platform, known for its ability to intercept advanced threats, including certain types of hypersonic missiles. "Doomsday Plane" The U.S. Air Force "Doomsday Plane," a wartime command and control aircraft for the president, flew over the United States on Tuesday and remained trackable throughout, per Flightradar24 data. The move signals a show of force rather than direct operation in the Middle East. The E-4B "Nightwatch," a militarized Boeing 747, serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and key command link for the President, Defense Secretary, and Joint Chiefs. In a national emergency or loss of ground command, it ensures survivable control to direct forces, execute war orders, and coordinate civil response. It was used during the September 11, 2001 attacks. Related Articles Photos Show Where US and China Have Sent Hospital ShipsHamas Sends Warning to U.S. Over Iran AttackNo Kings Protests or Trump's Army Parade-Which Won the Weekend? Newsweek Contributors DebateUS Embassy in Jerusalem Closed as Donald Trump Weighs Attacks on Iran 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
UPI
02-06-2025
- Politics
- UPI
On This Day, June 2: U.S. F-16 shot down over Bosnia O'Grady rescued
1 of 6 | Capt. Scott O'Grady gives a press conference on June 10, 1995, eight days after his F-16 Fighting Falcon was shot down over Bosnia. After six days of evasion, he was rescued by U.S. Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. File Photo by SRA Tana R. Hamilton/ U.S. National Archives On this date in history: In 1865, the Civil War officially came to an end when Confederate Gen. Edmund Kirby Smith, commander of Confederate forces west of the Mississippi, signed the surrender terms offered by Union negotiators. In 1886, U.S. President Grover Cleveland, 49, married Frances Folsom, the 21-year-old daughter of his former law partner, in a White House ceremony. The bride became the youngest first lady in U.S. history. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act into law, extending citizenship to all Native Americans born within the United States and its territories. In 1946, in a national referendum, voters in Italy decided the country should become a republic rather than return to a monarchy. The results were officially announced three days later after votes were counted. File Photo by Monika Graff/UPI In 1953, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in London's Westminster Abbey by the Archbishop of Canterbury. A year earlier, upon receiving word of her father's death, the former Princess Elizabeth broke down and wept. In 1985, police near San Francisco arrested Leonard Lake, who, along with an accomplice, Charles Ng, were accused of between 11 to 25 murders. Lake killed himself in jail before he could go to trial. Ng was convicted in 11 homicides in 1999 and sentenced to death. In 1992, Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton clinched the Democratic presidential nomination. In 1995, a U.S. F-16 fighter-jet was shot down by a Serb-launched missile while on patrol over Bosnia. The pilot, Air Force Capt. Scott O'Grady, ejected safely and landed behind Serb lines. He was rescued six days later. In 1997, a federal jury in Denver convicted Timothy McVeigh in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people. He was sentenced to death and executed June 11, 2001. In 2004, Ken Jennings won his first game on Jeopardy! It started a string that ended after a record 74 wins and more than $2.5 million in winnings. File Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI In 2010, a 52-year-old British taxi driver was accused of a shooting rampage in which 13 people were slain and 11 others injured before he killed himself. In 2014, Seattle's City Council approved a $15 hourly minimum wage -- the highest in the United States. In 2024, Mexicans elect former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum as their first female and first Jewish president. File Photo by Mario Guzman/EPA-EFE
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Thunderbirds arrive in Colorado Springs
(PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo.) — The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds have officially landed at Peterson Space Force Base (SFB) ahead of the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 29. On Tuesday, local media got an up-close and personal look at the iconic red, white, and blue F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets, as well as a glimpse into the lives of their precision pilots. When do the Thunderbirds practice? 'We fly twice a day, every day, for almost six days a week, sometimes seven days a week, during our training season,' said Major Jeffrey Downie, call sign 'Simmer.' Maj. Downie said the preparation for a performance like the one that will be executed on Thursday includes those hours of rigorous training, as well as good rest and mental preparedness. The end result is a stunning display that will leave an impression on anyone who catches a glimpse of the Thunderbirds as they roar overhead. 'Our mission on the Thunderbirds is to recruit, retain, and inspire, and we really like to focus on the inspiration piece, because you can do that for everybody, whether that's somebody that's older in the crowd or someone who's very young,' said Maj. Downie. For Maj. Downie, that inspiration struck him at a young age, when he would watch the jets fly over Arlington National Cemetery nearby where he grew up. 'You'd always hear the rumble in the house, and my mom and I would drop everything and run outside, and we would watch the jets rip over, and that kind of planted the seed for me,' Maj. Downie said. 'That's when it was solidified in my mind that that's what I was going to do, and I was going to chase that with an unrelenting effort. And it landed me here today, through a lot of hard work.' Now a pilot for the Air Force Demonstration team, Maj. Downie hopes the memories he's able to help create last a lifetime for the cadets in Falcons Stadium on Thursday, even if he never got to experience it himself. 'It's the culmination of four years of hard work,' said Maj. Downie. 'When I was graduating in 2013, sequestration was going on, and so we didn't actually have the Thunderbirds that year. So for me, this is actually special because I get to be on the other side of it and get to bring that excitement to the cadets… once you start hearing the Thunderbirds start ripping around, that's when it's like, 'alright, graduation is here.'' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
