The disappearance of retired Major General William Neil McCasland is a “grave national security crisis,” as he is a man “with some of the most sensitive secrets of the United States in his head,” investigative journalist Ross Coulthart said.
McCasland, 68, who led major Air Force science and technology portfolios, has been missing since February 27.
Coulthart, who is known for his work looking into UFOs, said during Sunday’s episode of his podcast, Reality Check with Ross Coulthart, that “this is an issue of grave concern.”
Why It Matters
McCasland’s roles placed him near highly classified programs. His disappearance has drawn attention because of his senior roles in military space and technology programs, including leadership of the Air Force Research Laboratory and work tied to sites historically associated with UFO investigations.
His vanishing in New Mexico has prompted a multi-agency search involving the FBI and local authorities.
What To Know
McCasland was last seen on February 27 at about 11 a.m. in the area of Quail Run Court NE in Albuquerque.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) previously issued a Silver Alert, used when older adults—often those with medical or cognitive conditions—are believed to be at risk, because he is dealing with unspecified medical issues.
Coulthart said it “has to be asked if there’s been any foul play,” given McCasland’s career and the way he disappeared–reportedly on a running trail without his watch or phone, according to Coulthart.
“If you were Russia, or you were China, God forbid, General Neil McCasland would be one of your targets,” Coulthart said. “So I sincerely hope that’s not the case.”
“It’s interesting that the FBI has been brought in,” Coulthart said, “…and the reason why is because the disappearance of a man like General Neil McCasland is a very, very grave concern.”
Coulthart also linked the disappearance’s timing to public statements by President Donald Trump about government knowledge of UFOs. The week before McCasland was last seen, Trump announced in a Truth Social post that he had directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to begin identifying and releasing any government files related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and aliens.
Who Is Major General William Neil McCasland?
McCasland held several high‑ranking and influential positions in the U.S. Air Force, particularly in science, technology and space research.
He was the commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright‑Patterson Air Force Base, where he managed the Air Force’s “$2.2 billion science and technology program as well as additional customer funded research and development of $2.2 billion,” his biography on the Air Force website says.
Wright Patterson Air Force Base housed Project Blue Book, the military branch’s probe into unidentified flying objects (UFOs), according to Ohio State University.
McCasland served as commander of the Phillips Research Site at Kirtland Air Force Base and later became vice commander of the Ogden Air Logistics Center and the Space and Missile Systems Center, positions central to Air Force logistics and space system development.
His Pentagon assignments included serving as director of Space Acquisition in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force and subsequently as director of Special Programs under the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.
McCasland is described as 5-foot-11 and about 160 pounds, with blue eyes and white hair.
What Happens Next
Authorities will continue to seek tips, review available footage and canvass areas near the last reported sightings.
If investigators develop new leads, the FBI’s role will likely expand in coordination with local law enforcement.
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