President Joe Biden’s administration said that China’s People’s Liberation Army is most likely responsible for the spy program targeting more than 40 countries on five continents using high-altitude balloons like the one seen floating above the continental U.S. since Jan. 31.
The State Department said it is part of a fleet of Chinese military balloons, The New York Times reported.
Update 2:28 p.m. EST Feb. 9: The FBI has confirmed that it is examining pieces of the balloon.
A senior bureau official told reporters that a few pieces of the balloon have arrived at the FBI’s lab at Quantico, Virginia, The Associated Press reported.
Investigators have looked at the balloon canopy, writing and “a very small amount of electronics.”
The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said it was “very early for us to assess what the intent was and how the device was operating.”
Recovery of the device was halted temporarily on Thursday because of high seas, but officials said some debris is still intact on the ocean floor with divers recovering some potentially high-value equipment this week, the AP reported.
The remnants are in two sections underwater in an area that is 15 football fields long and 15 football fields wide, the AP reported.
United States China Balloon In this image provided by the FBI, FBI special agents assigned to the evidence response team process material recovered from the high altitude balloon recovered off the coast of South Carolina, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, at the FBI laboratory in Quantico, Va., (FBI via AP) (Uncredited)
Original report: A senior State Department official said the system has the capability to capture sensitive intelligence. The information about the network was released to fire back against China’s claims that the balloons were not used for spying and that the U.S. accusing the communist country of doing so is “information warfare,” The Associated Press reported.
[ China says alleged spy balloon over US is ‘civilian airship’ used for research ]
The official, whose name was not released, said that an American U-2 spy plane captured images of the balloon that showed that it was “capable of conducting signals intelligence collection.” The balloon was equipped with multiple antennas to capture sensitive information. It also had solar panels to power the system, the AP reported.
What are spy balloons? Use of spy balloons goes back to early days of Cold War. (Photo by Elmurod Usubaliev/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) (Anadolu Agency/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The government official said that the analysis of the wreckage after the U.S. shot it down over the weekend is “inconsistent” with claims from China that it was an off-course weather balloon, the AP reported.
The State Department in a written report said that the balloon “was clearly for intelligence surveillance and inconsistent with the equipment onboard weather balloons” and was “likely capable of collecting and geo-locating communications,” The New York Times reported.
[ Spy balloon: What is in the sky above the US? Canada monitoring ‘potential second incident’ ]
The Defense Intelligence Agency had compiled an internal report, sent through classified channels in the government, on the balloon before it entered U.S. airspace as it floated toward Alaska. Government officials said it was part of a known aerial surveillance operation by the Chinese military that has conducted surveillance across the U.S. about a half dozen times, CNN reported.
[ Chinese spy balloon: Here is a timeline of events ]
The report was not flagged urgent and officials who saw it were not alarmed, saying it did not get forwarded on to the White House and President Joe Biden was not briefed on it at the time, CNN reported.
The U.S. instead used it to observe and collect intelligence on the device, until it took a sharp turn south to go over the continental U.S., potentially spying on the U.S. mainland, CNN reported.
The State Department may take action against China in response to the balloon.
“The United States will also explore taking action against P.R.C. (People’s Republic of China) entities linked to the P.L.A. (People’s Liberation Army) that supported the balloon’s incursion into U.S. airspace,” the State Department said, according to the Times. “We will also look at broader efforts to expose and address the P.R.C.’s larger surveillance activities that pose a threat to our national security, and to our allies and partners.”
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast A U.S. Air Force pilot takes off in an F-22 Raptor at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Airman 1st Class Mikaela Smith/U.S. Air Force)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast An F-22 Raptor takes off from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Feb. 4, 2023. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Senior Airman Chloe Shanes/U.S. Air Force)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Seaman Rafael Mendez stands watch aboard the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) while the guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) transit alongside debris from a high-altitude surveillance balloon. Carter Hall is the lead ship in debris recovery efforts led by the Navy, in joint partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, with multiple units in support of the effort, including ships, aircraft, and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal mobile diving and salvage unit. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Lt.j.g. Jerry Ireland/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 4, 2023) A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter flies over a debris field during recovery efforts of a high-altitude surveillance balloon. The Navy, in joint partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, are providing multiple units in support of the effort, including ships, aircraft and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal mobile diving and salvage unit. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Lt.j.g. Jerry Ireland/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Cmdr. Brad A. Fancher, commanding officer of the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), observes the debris field of a high-altitude surveillance balloon. Carter Hall is the lead ship in debris recovery efforts led by the Navy, in joint partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, with multiple units in support of the effort, including ships, aircraft, and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal mobile diving and salvage unit. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Lt.j.g. Jerry Ireland/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 load a rigid hull inflatable boat in preparation to recover a high-altitude surveillance balloon off the coast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Feb. 5, 2023. 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. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Th/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 recover a high-altitude surveillance balloon off the coast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Feb. 5, 2023. 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. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Th/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 recover a high-altitude surveillance balloon off the coast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Feb. 5, 2023. 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. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Th/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 recover a high-altitude surveillance balloon off the coast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, while the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) transits nearby, Feb. 5, 2023. 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. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Th/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 recover a high-altitude surveillance balloon off the coast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Feb. 5, 2023. 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. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Th/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 recover a high-altitude surveillance balloon off the coast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Feb. 5, 2023. 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. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Th/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast A Sailor assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 conducts a search for debris with an underwater vehicle during recovery efforts of a high-altitude balloon in the Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 7, 2023. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan See/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 prepare an underwater vehicle to search for debris during recovery efforts of a high-altitude balloon in the Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 7, 2023. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan See/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 prepare to conduct a search for debris during recovery efforts of a high-altitude balloon in the Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 7, 2023. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan See/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 conduct pre-dive checks during recovery efforts of a high-altitude balloon in the Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 7, 2023. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan Seelbach) (Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan See/U.S. Navy)
Photos: Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) Four operate landing craft air cushions (LCAC) during recovery efforts of a high-altitude balloon in the Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 8, 2023. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eric Moser/U.S. Navy)
Photos: Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) Four operate landing craft air cushions (LCAC) during recovery efforts of a high-altitude balloon in the Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 8, 2023. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan See/U.S. Navy)
Photos: Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) Four operate landing craft air cushions (LCAC) during recovery efforts of a high-altitude balloon in the Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 8, 2023. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eric Moser/U.S. Navy)
Photos: Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) Four operate landing craft air cushions (LCAC) during recovery efforts of a high-altitude balloon in the Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 8, 2023. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan See/U.S. Navy)
Photos: Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) Four operate landing craft air cushions (LCAC) during recovery efforts of a high-altitude balloon in the Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 8, 2023. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high altitude surveillance balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters Feb. 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation ensured public safety throughout the operation and recovery efforts. (Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan See/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit 4 prepare material recovered in the Atlantic Ocean from a high-altitude balloon for transport to federal agents at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Feb. 10, 2023. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high-altitude balloon withing sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters, Feb.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. (Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan See/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit 4 prepare material recovered in the Atlantic Ocean from a high-altitude balloon for transport to federal agents at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Feb. 10, 2023. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high-altitude balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters, Feb.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. (Petty Officer 1st Class Kris Lin/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit 4 prepare material recovered in the Atlantic Ocean from a high-altitude balloon for transport to federal agents at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Feb. 10, 2023. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high-altitude balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters, Feb.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. (Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan See/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit 4 prepare material recovered in the Atlantic Ocean from a high-altitude balloon for transport to federal agents at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Feb. 10, 2023. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high-altitude balloon withing sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters, Feb.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. (Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan See/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit 4 prepare material recovered in the Atlantic Ocean from a high-altitude balloon for transport to federal agents at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Feb. 10, 2023. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high-altitude balloon withing sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters, Feb.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. (Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan See/U.S. Navy)
Navy recovers Chinese balloon debris off SC coast Sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit 4 prepare material recovered in the Atlantic Ocean from a high-altitude balloon for transport to federal agents at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Feb. 10, 2023. At the direction of the President of the United States and with the full support of the Government of Canada, U.S. fighter aircraft under U.S. Northern Command authority engaged and brought down a high-altitude balloon within sovereign U.S. airspace and over U.S. territorial waters, Feb.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. (Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan See/U.S. Navy)