Written by Christopher Sharp – 23 August 2022
Pentagon spokesperson Susan Gough has told Liberation Times that Lue Elizondo, former director of the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), is advising the U.S. Space Force on “classified topics”.
Gough told Liberation Times the following:
“Mr. Elizondo provides technical advice on a variety of classified topics for the U.S. Space Force.”
The confirmation comes following weeks of discussions between the Department of Defense (DoD) and Liberation Times to confirm Elizondo’s role.
Although Space Force has no public stance relating to unidentified aerospace-undersea phenomena (UAP), it is our understanding from background sources that Elizondo’s contract does directly relate to UAP.
Following the DoD’s confirmation of his role, Elizondo commented:
“Although the Pentagon’s recent statement about my current employment at U.S. Space Force is a welcome change from previous efforts to obfuscate my role in the UAP topic, unfortunately, it does not undo the past couple of years of misstatements about my previous and continued service to my country.
“Perhaps this is a new and more transparent trend by DoD public affairs office members but only time will tell.
“On a positive note; however, it has truly been an honor and privilege to work with some of America’s finest. The men and women at U.S. Space Force are some of the most capable and patriotic individuals I know and let it be known to all that may ask, they are taking the topic of UAPs very seriously and should be commended for their efforts. I am truly blessed to be part of such an amazing group of individuals.”
Elizondo’s involvement with Space Force will no doubt raise eyebrows, as the DoD continues to maintain its public stance that he had no assigned responsibilities with AATIP.
If Elizondo was untruthful in his very public feud with the DoD regarding such details, then one could not imagine that Space Force would seek his assistance, nor would he continue to hold the security clearances needed to operate within his advisory role.
A New Role For Space Force?
The current Intelligence Authorization Act language will create a Core Group containing UAP representatives from various agencies, offices and military branches, including Space Force.
In 2021, POLITICO reported that some Space Force officials were wary of taking a greater role in the UAP topic after word spread that this was an option being considered by the DoD.
Although no public stance on UAPs has been taken by Space Force, news of Elizondo’s role, his comments that the organisation is taking the topic seriously and the potential formation of a Core Group could thrust Space Force into the UAP issue at a time when incidents are thought to be considerably escalating.
Space Force was signed into law on 30 December 2019, as part of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. Despite being a distinct service branch, Space Force falls under the Department of the Air Force, whose Secretary, Frank Kendall, has previously said, “I’ve given a great deal thought to defending American airspace but not against UFOs.”
The timing of Elizondo’s involvement comes at an important time for Space Force, as it takes on more space-based responsibilities from other military branches and transitions to a new Chief of Space Operations, General Bradley Chance Saltzman, who has been nominated by President Joe Biden to replace its existing Chief, John Raymond, who is set to retire.
UAPs have reportedly deactivated minuteman nuclear weapons systems according to testimony from veterans, including former Malmstrom Air Force Base nuclear missile launch control officer, Robert Salas. Of interest, incoming Space Force Chief Saltzman has served as a Minuteman III launch officer, and at Malmstrom, in addition to being a National Reconnaissance Office satellite operator.