David Barnett
David Barnett is a New Zealand naval radar operator and seaman who was involved in tracking the 1987 HMNZS Southland USO Incident, one of the most dramatic Unidentified Submerged Object encounters on record involving a military vessel.
| Role | Radar operator and Seaman |
|---|
HMNZS Southland Incident (1987)
In February 1987, Barnett was serving aboard the HMNZS Southland when the New Zealand naval vessel encountered a large USO north of New Zealand. The craft, measuring approximately 150 feet wide and 800 feet long, closed a 20-kilometer distance in less than 30 seconds—yielding a minimum speed estimate of 1,492 mph and average acceleration of 4.5 Gs.
As the USO passed directly underneath the naval vessel, it killed all ship power and completely drained the batteries—demonstrating the electromagnetic effects frequently associated with UAP encounters. This total power failure while a massive unknown craft passed beneath the hull represents one of the most dramatic military USO encounters documented.
Significance
Barnett's involvement as radar operator provides technical credibility to the incident. His tracking data established:
- Precise distance measurements — 20 km gap closure tracked on naval radar
- Speed calculations — Minimum 1,492 mph based on time-distance analysis
- Electromagnetic confirmation — Power drain correlated with craft proximity
The incident is referenced by Kevin Knuth in his analysis of transmedium UAP capabilities and USO phenomena, demonstrating that craft exhibiting extreme performance in air also operate seamlessly in water.
Related Cases
The HMNZS Southland incident shares characteristics with other USO encounters:
- Electromagnetic effects — Similar to the 1976 Tehran UFO Incident where Major Jafari's avionics failed
- Transmedium capability — Parallels Aguadilla footage showing craft entering water at high speed without splash
- Military confirmation — Multi-sensor detection similar to 2004 Nimitz UAP Encounter (Tic Tac)