USS Zumwalt UFO Incident (2019)

On April 24, 2019, a swarm of unidentified aerial systems (UAS) was captured on video flying over the USS Zumwalt off the coast of Southern California. The incident occurred at approximately 3:35 a.m. UTC, 17 nautical miles off Camp Pendleton in international waters. According to the U.S. Navy, six UASs conducted multiple flyovers and executed circular patterns around the ships. The objects operated at altitudes ranging from 300 to 1,000 feet and maintained consistent flight paths in northwest, east, and south directions without altering speed or altitude. The Navy noted that no weapons were observed during the event. This encounter, while routine operations were underway, remains a puzzling example of unidentified aerial activity in proximity to military assets.

The USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000), the lead ship of its class, is a guided missile destroyer renowned for its advanced stealth capabilities and innovative technologies. Originally homeported in San Diego, California, the vessel departed on August 1, 2023, to shift its homeport to Pascagoula, Mississippi, for a modernization period.

During this period, the USS Zumwalt is receiving significant technological upgrades, including the integration of the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapon system. This system enables the ship to carry hypersonic missiles, enhancing its long-range strike capabilities. Each Zumwalt-class destroyer is slated to be equipped with four missile tubes, each housing three missiles, totaling 12 hypersonic weapons per ship. The USS Zumwalt is not known to carry nuclear weapons. Its arsenal includes advanced conventional weaponry designed for precision and versatility in various combat scenarios. The addition of hypersonic missiles further augments its offensive capabilities, aligning with modern naval warfare requirements.