Pentagon: USAF UFO investigations ongoing
USAF Pentagon spokesman Maj. Carl R. Hart informed NICAP that UFO probes involve hundreds of intelligence personnel and top scientists from government and private labs. Lt. Col. Spencer Whedon revealed costs of about $10,000 per major case.
Background
Official Statements on the UFO Investigation
On May 25, 1962, Maj. Carl R. Hart, spokesman for the USAF at the Pentagon, told NICAP that the Air Force deployed hundreds of intelligence officers on UFO cases. He stressed the involvement of leading specialists from government laboratories and commercial institutions. J. Allen Hynek had also spoken with leading scientists worldwide.
Costs and Resources
At the same time, Lt. Col. Spencer Whedon of ATIC stated that each extensive sighting analysis cost about 10,000 dollars. This indicates the scale of resources committed (source: "AF Admits UFO Probe Still in Full Operation," UFO Investigator 2, no. 4 (March/July 1962): 2).
Significance
The disclosures show that USAF UFO programmes were active despite public scepticism, with considerable staff and budget. They tell against accusations of a lack of seriousness and point to the collaborations involved.