The USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Encounter: Event Timeline
Archival reconstruction and minute-by-minute sequence of verified observations, radar triggers, and investigative actions.
Chronological Sequence (4 Recorded Phases)
All events are ordered sequentially as verified across official dispatch logs, military logs, and witness depositions.
Initial AN/SPY-1B Radar Anomalies
Senior Chief Kevin Day and radar operators on the USS Princeton detect clusters of anomalous tracks appearing at 80,000 feet and dropping to 50 feet over the ocean.
Vectoring Black Aces F/A-18F Super Hornets
Princeton controller vectors Commander David Fravor and Lt. Cmdr. Alex Dietrich to intercept unknown target at 20,000 feet.
Visual Engagement & Dogfight Circling
Fravor descends toward the white 40-foot Tic-Tac object hovering over ocean churn. The object mimics his turn pattern, accelerates across his nose, and vanishes instantaneously.
ATFLIR Targeting Pod Lock & Video Capture
A second F/A-18F piloted by Lt. Cmdr. Chad Underwood captures infrared sensor tracking video ("FLIR1") before the object accelerates off-screen to the left.