Chinese Balloon Recovery, Examination

February 15, 2023

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At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, a U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a Chinese high-altitude balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters on February 4, 2023. Active duty, reserve, National Guard, and civilian personnel planned and executed the operation, and partners from the U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts.

Top Left
February 5, 2023 - U.S. Navy sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 recover a Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon off the coast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on . EODGRU 2 is a critical part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force that clears explosive hazards to provide access to denied areas; secures the undersea domain for freedom of movement; builds and fosters relationships with trusted partners, and protects the homeland.

Top Right
February 10, 2023 - U.S. Navy sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit 4 prepare material recovered in the Atlantic Ocean from a Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon for transport to federal agents at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek.

Bottom
February 10, 2023 - FBI special agents assigned to the Evidence Response Team process material recovered from the Chinese high-altitude balloon recovered off the coast of South Carolina after being shot down on February 5, 2023 by the U.S. military. The FBI is the lead governing agency for the forensic examination. (More information associated with the FBI investigation)

Image created by USA Patriotism! from photos by U.S. Navy MC1 Tyler Thompson / MC1 Ryan Seelbach and FBI courtesy photo.

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