When it comes to UFO sightings, the credibility of the witness often determines how seriously the event is taken. In this article, we highlight five of the most respected and authoritative figures, from military pilots to astronauts who have gone on record about encountering unidentified flying objects.
1. Commander David Fravor – U.S. Navy Pilot (Tic Tac UFO, 2004)
Credibility → Retired U.S. Navy Commander & Top Gun pilot
Event → USS Nimitz Encounter (2004, off the coast of San Diego)
In one of the most famous modern cases, Cmdr. Fravor was flying an F/A-18F Super Hornet when he encountered a white, oval-shaped object resembling a “Tic Tac” that defied the laws of physics. The object rapidly changed altitude, moved with no visible propulsion, and accelerated with extreme speed.
“It accelerated like nothing I’ve ever seen. I don’t know what it was… I want to fly one.”
His account was later confirmed by radar footage, FLIR video, and corroborating testimony from multiple crew members. This incident became one of the cornerstones of the Pentagon’s 2020 UAP disclosure.
2. Gordon Cooper – Mercury & Gemini Astronaut
Credibility → NASA Astronaut & Air Force Test Pilot
Event → Multiple sightings throughout his career
Cooper reported seeing a metallic disc-shaped UFO flying over Edwards Air Force Base in the 1950s while working as a test pilot. He later stated that camera footage of the craft was handed over to the military but was never seen again.
“I believe that these extraterrestrial vehicles and their crews are visiting this planet from other planets.”
Cooper was a firm believer in extraterrestrial life and spoke publicly about the cover-up of alien visitations.
3. Jorge Chávez Dartnell – Peruvian Air Force Commander
Credibility → Fighter pilot & military commander
Event → 1980 UFO Engagement Over La Joya, Peru
While flying a Sukhoi Su-22 fighter jet, Commander Chávez was ordered to intercept a metallic, disk-shaped object that was violating airspace. He fired a direct burst of cannon fire, but the UFO was completely unaffected. It then accelerated away at an unnatural speed.
His case remains officially documented by the Peruvian military and is still part of their classified UFO archives.
4. Edgar Mitchell – Apollo 14 Astronaut
Credibility → 6th man on the Moon, NASA veteran
Event → Post-mission revelations and research into consciousness & UFOs
Though Mitchell didn’t encounter UFOs while in space, he became a vocal proponent of extraterrestrial presence on Earth, citing insider military sources who had told him the truth was being hidden.
“There have been ET visitations. There have been crashed craft. There has been material and bodies recovered.”
He dedicated much of his post-NASA life to researching consciousness, remote viewing, and alien technology secrecy.
5. Nick Pope – UK Ministry of Defence (UFO Desk, 1991–1994)
Credibility → Government investigator for the UK’s MoD
Event → Official role investigating UFO reports for the British government
Pope worked as a civilian analyst and investigator for the UK’s Ministry of Defence. Though not a direct eyewitness, his access to classified documents and first-hand interviews with military personnel make his insights extremely credible.
“I came into the job as a skeptic. I left open-minded.”
His perspective bridges the gap between official secrecy and public knowledge, and he continues to advocate for greater transparency on UFO phenomena.
These five men are more than just believers they’re highly trained observers with decades of experience in aerospace, military, and government operations. Their testimonies challenge the narrative that UFO sightings are limited to conspiracy theorists or hoaxers. If the most qualified people on Earth are saying, “We’ve seen something,” perhaps it’s time the world listens.