Ellsworth AFB Nuclear Silo Abduction
In November 1977, Air Force security policeman Mario Woods of the 44th Security Police Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota experienced a dramatic encounter while guarding Minuteman-II ICBM launch facilities. After responding to an alarm at missile silo "November Five" with his team leader Michael Johnson, Woods observed a massive luminous object hovering directly over the silo — comparable in size to a Walmart building. The object's exterior appeared to consist of a plasma-like energy with no visible wings or propulsion. During the encounter, Woods lost consciousness and both men experienced a period of missing time. They were discovered approximately 15 kilometers from the silo at Lake Newell, near a dam, with no explanation for how their vehicle reached that location through frozen terrain with no tire tracks. A medical examination revealed burn marks on Woods' face and right hand. He was debriefed for three hours at Ellsworth AFB by senior officers and two agents from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), including Richard Doty, later known as an Air Force disinformation agent. Woods was ordered to never discuss the incident. His DD-214 service record confirmed his assignment. Researcher Robert Hastings verified key elements, and AARO interviewed Woods about the case in March 2023.
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Background
In 1977, at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, a security guard encountered a UAP near a nuclear missile silo, experiencing missing time and physical effects from close proximity.
The case, documented in AAWSAP/BAASS files, was investigated by BAASS under the AAWSAP program and stands out for its rare combination of elements.
The Incident
A security guard observed an unidentified craft at close range while on duty near a nuclear missile silo.
He experienced missing time and, upon examination, physical effects consistent with close-proximity UAP exposure.
Investigation
The case was later investigated by BAASS as part of the AAWSAP program.
It is documented in AAWSAP/BAASS files.
Significance
This event is notable for combining a nuclear weapons facility, close encounter, physiological effects, and missing time.
This combination parallels other military UAP cases from the era.