Seattle: Col. Matthias on Hanford aerial intrusions
On August 7, 1945, Col. Franklin Matthias disclosed during a Seattle Times press conference that the Hanford Engineer Works faced issues with unidentified flying objects, prompting radar installation and Navy interception agreements.
Background
Event
On August 7, 1945, one day after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Col. Franklin Matthias, head of the Hanford Engineer Works in Washington, held a press conference at the Seattle Times. He acknowledged problems with unidentified aircraft over the top-secret plutonium production facility.
Witnesses and Response
Matthias confirmed that radar had been installed hurriedly after such intruders were detected. An arrangement with the Navy allowed interception by fighters from Pasco Naval Air Station. Earlier incidents in 1944/45 included radar echoes that fighters pursued in vain.
Evidence
The account rests on Matthias's public statement and on declassified Fourth Air Force documents that confirm the overflights. Pilots such as Commander R.W. Hendershot reported unsuccessful interceptions. There were no visual contacts, but radar and military reports.
Significance
The case points to early UAP activity above a core Manhattan Project site shortly before the end of the war. It suggests repeated intrusions that prompted security measures, and is consistent with reports from January 1945.