FOIA Release: DOD emails confirm 2017 UAP briefings and AATIP role
The Black Vault published internal Defense Department emails released under FOIA case 25-F-2554. These documents verify 2017 UAP briefings to the Secretary of Defense's office and clarify aspects of Luis Elizondo's role within AATIP. The release highlights distinctions between informal coordination and formal program leadership.
Background
On May 28, 2025, The Black Vault released newly obtained internal Department of Defense communications. These records confirm that previously rumored briefings by Navy pilots to the Secretary of Defense's office did occur in 2017. The emails also provide additional context regarding Luis Elizondo's involvement with AATIP, suggesting his role may have been more informal than previously claimed. The release is significant for government transparency efforts regarding UAPs, as it helps establish a factual foundation for historical records. The documents clarify that while Elizondo participated in UAP-related activities, the formal leadership structure of AATIP remains ambiguous.