Navy: Release of UAP Security Classification Guide via FOIA
The U.S. Navy released a thirteen-page document detailing classification standards for UAP-related information through a FOIA request. The guide specifies criteria used by naval intelligence to protect sensitive aerial phenomena data under Executive Order 13526. It was obtained by The Black Vault and published in December 2021.
Background
The Black Vault successfully obtained a sensitive government document titled "Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP) Security Classification Guide" through the Freedom of Information Act. Bearing identification number 04-030, this thirteen-page manual was issued by the Naval Intelligence Activity to establish uniform classification procedures for UAP-related materials within the Office of Naval Intelligence and associated task forces.
The document serves as an authoritative reference for determining which specific topics of information meet legal standards for national security classification. It implements protection protocols mandated by Executive Order 13526, governing how personnel must handle and restrict access to sensitive UAP data. The guide effectively creates a framework for maintaining secrecy around unidentified aerial phenomena encountered by military forces.
According to a later update from December 2024, this classification guide has remained unchanged since its original issuance. The Navy continues to utilize this single version without revision, establishing consistent barriers against public disclosure requests despite ongoing legislative pressure for transparency regarding anomalous aerospace encounters.