Size of Object(s)

Can't say for sure due to lack of difinitive perspective but, appeared to be about the same size as the F4s.

Description of Area / Surroundings

Very rural, Navy construction battilon - Gulfport, MS Kessler AFB - Biloxi, MS - C-130s and T28s

Full Description & Details

It was approximately 11 PM at a swimming hole away from artificial light., I don't remember there being any moom that night. I observed what first appeared to be the light from a gas lantern moving toward us from the north. As I watched it became apparent that the light was in the air, moving north to south and would have passed slightly east of us. While still to the north and about 60 degrees above the horizon the object made a sudden change to a due west course. After transversing about a 30 degree arc to the west it changed course to due south again and dissapeared over the southern horizon. Keeping in mind that it is difficult to estimate time during such an event my best guess from first sighting to last would be about 3 to 4 minutes. The object had the same bright gas light appearence throughout its course. The changes in course were not turns as would be observed from standard aircraft. there was no change in rate of travel while the change in direction was a sharp 90 degree angle. After the object dissapeared to the south the three of use that had been about twenty yards from each other swam to a common meeting and began our, "did you see that". conversation. While still discussing what we had seen we heard jet aircraft approaching from the east. What became visable was paired exhausts of two twin engine jets in full afterburner that made a sweeping turn to the south following the exact course of the object we had just seen. Neither of the jets were showing navigation or anti-collision lights. The jet aircraft could only have been a pair of F-4s most likely out of Pensacola NAS. At the time I was an Air Force air traffic control operator and knew aircraft recognition and flight characteristics. Shortly after this there were a number of other sighting in the south central US, at least one of which made international news and was thouroghly investigated.

Can sighting be explained as any conventional man-made or natural object?

No way it was any acknowledged aircraft of any country on Earth. The change of direction of the observed object should have been impossible.

Witness Background

well traveled in North America and widely varied work, College at SCCC, NSCC, and MGCCC in Gulfport MS. Much of my work has required careful observation and careful reporting

Views on UFOs, before and after sighting

Due to the distances required for space travel I am a skeptic. However, I know what I saw and there is no way to explain it by rational thought and technology, then or current. Prior knoldge limited to news while growing up in the sixtys.

Other Comments

If record can be found of the F4 intercept it will give exact date, time, and confirmation of the event.

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