Size of Object(s)

2 to 3 feet

Distance to Object(s) & Altitude

30 to 40 ft from bridge wing

Shape of Object(s)

circular flash

Color of Object(s):

white

Full Description & Details

I was standing the mid watch as OOD underway, on board the US Navy destroyer I was serving on at the time. That particular night our ship was just killing time, cutting three knot circles in the water, while waiting for morning. (At dawn we were scheduled to steam in to the anchorage at Roosevelt Roads for shore leave.) Everything had been quiet since the watch change. The skunk board was clean for a change, and there were no contacts, surface or air, anywhere on the scopes.

At the time of the incident, I was on the starboard bridge wing, leaning against the rail, passing the time in quiet conversation with the Quartemaster of the Watch. Both of us happened to be looking just outboard of the ship, staring at the water as we talked. Suddenly, just below the surface of the water, and roughly ten feet from the hull, we both saw an extremely bright, white flash of light. It made no sound, and was over almost before it had started. It startled us, however, making us both take a step back. Looking at each other in puzzlement and some alarm, I heard the quartermaster ask, " What the hell was that?" I could only shrug my shoulders. Neither of us had the faintest idea what it had been, or what could have caused such an event out there in the middle of the ocean. One thing I did know, however. I felt safer standing the rest of that watch inside the bridge, with the bridge doors closed and dogged.

It has been suggested to me from some of the people I've told this story to that it might have been bio luminescence. I have seen that particular phenomenon many times at sea, during the night hours. Whatever it was that flashed us, it was far brighter than any bio luminescence I've ever seen, before or since. It was more like a powerfull strobe light.

Witness Background

I served onboard the USS Semmes DDG-18 from 1981 to 1985 as a junior reserve officer. I was the ASW Officer for my first three years and finished my last year onboard as the Comm Officer. In both roles I was custodian of materials ranging from Confidential to Top Secret. At the time I left the Navy with an Honorable Discharge, I was a frocked lieutenant. I am currently employed at HP as an Offsite Support Engineer Level III.

Other Comments

It's been a long time, and I no longer remember the exact date. I only have a ballpark figure. I also have forgotten the name of the quartermaster who shared that experience with me.

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