January 1, 2017🇺🇸Disclosure
WhistleblowerScienceDeclassification
Zechel Name Declassified via MDR Request by Jack Brewer
A Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) case filed by researcher Jack Brewer resulted in the release of Todd Zechel's previously redacted name from the 1978 NSA memo. Other details remained classified.
Background
After decades of redaction, the identity of UFO researcher Todd Zechel mentioned in a 1978 NSA memorandum was finally disclosed. Researcher Jack Brewer successfully filed a Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) case in 2017, forcing the agency to reveal Zechel's name.
The declassification represented a partial victory for transparency advocates. While Zechel's identity was released, other portions of the document including the author's name remained redacted at this time.