The 2019-2021 USS Kidd UAV Swarm Encounters

Tactical Incursions and Naval Response

Between July 14 and July 30, 2019, a series of incursions involving 'unmanned aerial vehicles' (UAVs) occurred involving the USS Kidd, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS John Finn while operating off the coast of Southern California. The incidents, which were brought to light through FOIA requests and subsequent declassification in 2021 and 2022, detailed a sophisticated operation where up to six unidentified craft harassed the fleet simultaneously.

Analysis of Deck Logs

Official Navy deck logs, obtained via The Black Vault, show that the encounters often lasted over 90 minutes—far exceeding the battery life of commercially available drones. On the night of July 14, the USS Kidd entered 'Snoopy Team' status (an intelligence-gathering posture) at 10:00 PM as the craft hovered over the flight deck. The objects were reported to maintain speeds of approximately 16 knots and showed high levels of maneuverability in low-visibility conditions.

What makes the USS Kidd case significant is the proximity to sensitive military training ranges and the apparent immunity of the craft to standard electronic countermeasures. Internal Navy emails and 'OPREP-3' (Operations Reports) indicate that the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) was briefed on the matter, signaling that the Pentagon viewed these incursions not as hobbyist activity, but as a serious breach of security by craft of unknown origin.

Contemporary Disclosure Context

As of 2024, the AARO (All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office) has categorized many of these West Coast incursions as likely foreign surveillance, yet the specific propulsion and endurance characteristics of the 'drones' remain classified. The USS Kidd logs remain some of the most granular evidence of sustained UAP-military interaction in the modern era. The documents reveal that the Navy spent days attempting to identify the launch platforms—checking nearby commercial vessels and fishing boats—but found no source for the craft. The persistence of the objects, their ability to navigate in formation, and their specific interest in the Navy's most advanced destroyers suggest a high level of technological sophistication that continues to be a focal point of Congressional UAP inquiries.