William McCasland Retired General Behind Air Force Research Laboratory UFO Projects Missing—Silver Alert Issued

A senior figure once at the helm of America's most advanced aerospace research programmes has vanished, triggering alarm far beyond New Mexico.

McCasland, a retired major general who formerly led the Air Force Research Laboratory, was last seen on 27 February in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Authorities have issued a Silver Alert, with undisclosed medical concerns heightening fears for his safety.

Silver Alert Sparks Urgent Search

The 68-year-old was last seen around 11 am on Friday near Quail Run Court NE in Albuquerque, according to the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office. Officials say they do not know what he was wearing or which direction he may have travelled.

Law enforcement confirmed that the Silver Alert was issued due to undisclosed medical issues. In a statement, the sheriff's office said: 'Due to his medical issues, law enforcement is concerned for his safety.'

The lack of basic details, including clothing and possible route, has compounded the urgency. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office by texting BCSO to 847411 or calling the Missing Persons Unit at +1 (505) 468-7070.

As news spreads that William McCasland, a retired general who led the Air Force Research Laboratory, has gone missing, public concern continues to grow.

A Career at the Heart of US Aerospace Research

McCasland was commissioned in 1979 after graduating from the US Air Force Academy with a degree in astronautical engineering. Over nearly four decades, he built a career rooted in space research, acquisition and advanced military operations.

He went on to command the Air Force Research Laboratory, overseeing a vast science and technology portfolio reportedly valued at $2.2 billion (approximately £1.63 billion). The laboratory, headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, is one of the US Air Force's premier research institutions.

He also led Kirtland Air Force Base's Phillips Research Site in New Mexico, playing a central role in cutting-edge aerospace innovation. Col Justin Secrest, commander of the 377th Air Base Wing at Kirtland, told local media that the base is coordinating closely with local authorities in the search effort.

UFO Links Add Intrigue

Beyond his formal military credentials, McCasland's name has surfaced in discussions surrounding classified UFO-related initiatives.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has long been associated in popular culture with alleged UFO crash retrievals and reverse-engineering projects. While no official confirmation has substantiated such claims, speculation has persisted for decades.

Leaked emails published by WikiLeaks during the 2016 US election cycle indicated that McCasland had been referenced in correspondence involving musician and UFO advocate Tom DeLonge. The emails suggested he was involved in briefings connected to aerospace and advanced research topics.

These disclosures intensified online debate about what senior defence officials may know regarding unidentified aerial phenomena. However, there is no evidence linking his disappearance to any classified programme or UFO-related matter. Law enforcement has indicated that the case is being treated as a missing persons investigation, with medical vulnerability the primary concern.

Last Known Movements

Authorities confirmed that McCasland was last seen on 27 February 2026. He is described as 5ft 11in tall, weighing approximately 160lb, with blue eyes and white hair.

No vehicle information has been released, and officials have not disclosed whether surveillance footage or witness statements have provided further insight. The uncertainty has deepened anxiety among both local residents and former colleagues.

Appeal For Information

Law enforcement officials are urging the public not to speculate but to assist. Even minor details, they say, could prove crucial.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office immediately. Time, particularly in cases involving medical alerts, is often decisive.

For now, the disappearance of a decorated officer with deep ties to America's most advanced aerospace research remains an unresolved and deeply concerning matter.