Renowned UFO researcher Dr. Bruce Maccabee passed away from natural causes at his home in Lima, Ohio, on May 10, 2024, shortly after celebrating his 82nd birthday. Dr. Maccabee was a respected optical physicist who had retired from the United States Navy.
According to Wikipedia, Dr. Maccabee earned a B.S. in physics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts, followed by an M.S. and Ph.D. in physics from American University in Washington, DC. He began his career in 1972 at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory in Silver Spring, Maryland, which later became the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division. He retired from government service in 2008. During his career, he worked on optical data processing, laser-generated underwater sound, and various aspects of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) and Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) with high-power lasers.
Dr. Maccabee was an early member of The National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) and joined MUFON in 1975, serving as Maryland’s long-time State Director. He was also a talented pianist, performing at the 1997 and 1999 MUFON symposia.
Among his notable investigations were The Gulf Breeze Incidents, The Phoenix Lights, and an analysis of the McMinnville photos. He authored numerous white papers and contributed to several books, including “UFOs are Real, Here’s the Proof,” “Could UFOs be Real,” and “The UFO/FBI Connection.”
The Mutual UFO Network extends our heartfelt condolences to Bruce’s family. His expertise and contributions to the field will be deeply missed.
Bob Spearing, a Fordham University graduate with a B.A. in Communications specializing in Journalism and Film Production, retired after 34 years with the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. His roles included Rail Traffic Controller, Locomotive Engineer, Safety Investigator, and Public Relations Manager. A MUFON member since 2014, Bob has served as National Director for Spain and India and led the Special Assignment Team. He has contributed to projects like MARRS, the Pine Bush UFO Museum, the Observer Network, and the MUFON UFO Map App. His work has been featured in international UFO magazines, including four MUFON Journal cover stories, and he has appeared as a photo analyst on UFOs: The Lost Evidence and Ancient Aliens.