The mystery drone was spotted in the prohibited airspace on February 8 by a civilian employee at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. Drones may not be operated in Bangor without permission and in coordination of authorities.
In 2005, the FAA designated the entire airspace above Bangor as "prohibited" at the request of Navy, so no aircrafts are allowed to fly between the ground and 2,500 feet in the air. Security forces are allowed to shoot down any aircrafts, including drones, that violate these rules. Pilots are recommended to fly above 2,500 feet as to not cause any confusion.
"It's our intent to support the investigation and prosecution of this reported act, and any others that may occur, in coordination with civilian law enforcement," Navy spokeswoman Silvia Klatman told the Kitsap Sun. She did not elaborate on any details of the investigation.
Officials reportedly questioned locals who live near the base, including Al Starcevich, who does not recall seeing anything unusual on the evening of the sighting.
"It could be a hoax, but worst-case scenario, it could be clandestine, a foreign government, a cell," Starcevich said. "The creepy thing is they're only doing it at night. What are you going to see at night unless you have an infrared camera?"
