Tuesday • 2hr 54min
#2244 - Ryan Graves
The Joe Rogan Experience
Key Takeaways
- Current Drone Situation: Hundreds of unidentified drones have been reported over the Eastern seaboard, particularly New Jersey, exhibiting unusual capabilities and evading detection methods
- Government Response: There appears to be confusion and lack of coordination between government agencies investigating these incidents
- Historical Context: Similar incidents have occurred at military bases like Langley AFB over the past 3 years during the same timeframe
- Detection Challenges: The objects demonstrate sophisticated signature management, avoiding radar and infrared detection
- Need for Transparency: Graves advocates for greater government transparency and proper scientific investigation of UAP phenomena
Introduction
Ryan Graves, former U.S. Navy F/A-18F pilot and Chair of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics UAP Community of Interest, discusses the current wave of drone sightings over the Eastern United States and his experiences with UAP encounters while serving in the military. The conversation explores the technical capabilities of these objects, potential origins, and implications for national security.
Topics Discussed
Current Drone Situation Overview (0:00)
The discussion begins with an analysis of the ongoing drone sightings over the Eastern seaboard, particularly New Jersey. Graves addresses rumors about missing nuclear materials and provides context about the scope of sightings.
- Timeline: Sightings began around November 18, 2023
- Scale: Estimated 800-1000 separate sightings
- Location: Concentrated in New Jersey but reports from Texas to Florida
- Pattern: Objects appear to be coming from over the ocean
Military Experience & Historical Context (20:00)
Graves shares his background as a Navy pilot and early experiences with UAP encounters while flying F/A-18 Super Hornets.
- 2013 Incidents: After radar upgrades, pilots began detecting unknown objects in training areas
- Object Characteristics: Stationary capabilities, speeds of 250-350 knots, some supersonic
- Near Miss: Pilot described dark gray/black cube inside clear sphere
- "We almost had a near miss. You almost lost an aircraft." - Ryan Graves
Technical Capabilities & Detection (40:00)
Discussion of the technical aspects of detecting and tracking these objects, including limitations of current systems.
- Radar Systems: Objects often evade sophisticated radar detection
- Infrared Signatures: Many objects show unusual or no heat signatures
- Movement Patterns: Capable of high-G turns at low speeds
- Duration: Objects remain airborne for 5-6 hours, suggesting advanced power systems
Government Response & Investigation (1:00:00)
Analysis of how various government agencies are responding to and investigating these incidents.
- Legal Limitations: Current laws restrict ability to intercept potential signals
- Agency Coordination: Lack of clear communication between departments
- Military Response: Limited authority for base commanders to take action
- "The government has to make the presumption at this point...that if this is not a foreign adversary, then we have to make the assumption that it's a U.S. citizen operating these." - Ryan Graves
Potential Origins & Theories (1:20:00)
Discussion of various theories about the origin and purpose of these objects.
- Submarine Launch: Possibility of underwater launch platforms
- Foreign Adversaries: Challenges with this explanation given operational complexity
- Domestic Technology: Some capabilities within known technological bounds
- Unknown Origins: Some characteristics exceed known technological capabilities
Future Implications & Recommendations (1:40:00)
Graves outlines recommendations for addressing the UAP issue more effectively.
- Scientific Investigation: Need for unclassified scientific study
- Government Reform: Elevation of issue to higher government levels
- Public Engagement: Greater transparency with public about findings
- "We can figure this out...It's a hard problem, but it's not an unsolvable problem." - Ryan Graves
Conclusion
The conversation emphasizes the need for greater transparency and scientific investigation of UAP phenomena. Graves advocates for a structured approach to studying these incidents while acknowledging the complex national security implications. The discussion highlights the importance of credible voices in advancing public understanding of UAP incidents and the need for coordinated government response.
The episode concludes with a call for action through Graves' organization, Americans for Safe Aerospace, and emphasizes the importance of proper investigation and disclosure of UAP-related information to the public.
