Operation Snow White and the Modern UFO Narrative: The Complex Interplay of Scientology, Government, and Science

In 1973, an audacious covert operation was executed by the Church of Scientology, known as Operation Snow White. The operation involved infiltrating the US government to purge unfavorable records about Scientology and its founder, L. Ron Hubbard. It remains one of the largest infiltrations of the US government in history. While it was ultimately uncovered by the FBI, it serves as an unnerving precedent for what the Church of Scientology is capable of in terms of covert influence and strategy.

But how is this related to UFOs, you ask? Let’s take a look, first, at how Scientology pulled off Operation Snow White.

Execution

L. Ron Hubbard created the “Guardian’s Office” (GO) in 1966, a dedicated unit within the Church assigned to handle public relations, legal matters, and, importantly, security. The GO was tasked with ensuring the Church’s protection against external threats, particularly from the government and media. In the early 1970s, under the direction of Hubbard’s wife, Mary Sue Hubbard, the GO began Operation Snow White. The goal was to locate and purge any records perceived as false or damaging from around 136 government agencies, foreign embassies, and consulates in more than 30 countries.

The GO created a detailed plan to infiltrate these institutions. They began by identifying key agencies that held records about the Church, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Justice. They then had their members apply for positions in these organizations, without disclosing their affiliation with the Church of Scientology.

Over time, these agents gained access to classified documents related to the Church. They copied, stole, or destroyed these documents, operating under various codenames and using covert techniques such as wiretapping and burglary to evade detection.

The infiltration was so extensive that the Church of Scientology had agents with direct access to sensitive government meetings and documents. For instance, one operative, Michael Meisner, was placed in the US Coast Guard’s offices, where he was able to access Interpol documents.

Unraveling and Impact

The operation began to unravel when Meisner and another operative, Gerald Wolfe, were caught in the act of unauthorized access in June 1976. Although they initially managed to avoid arrest, Meisner eventually turned himself in to the FBI in June 1977 and revealed the full extent of the operation.

In July 1977, the FBI conducted simultaneous raids on the Church’s offices in Los Angeles and Washington D.C., seizing extensive evidence of the operation. This led to the prosecution and conviction of 11 high-ranking members of the Church, including Mary Sue Hubbard, on charges of theft, burglary, conspiracy, and infiltration of government offices.

Operation Snow White had a significant impact on the relationship between the Church of Scientology and the US government. It eroded the government’s trust in the Church and created a lasting suspicion of the organization. It also led to stricter security measures and checks within federal agencies to prevent similar infiltrations in the future.

Furthermore, the scandal surrounding the operation led to an internal purge within the Church, resulting in the disbanding of the Guardian’s Office. It was replaced with the Office of Special Affairs in 1983, which took over the responsibilities of public affairs and legal matters.

Operation Snow White remains a sobering example of how non-state actors can infiltrate government institutions. It serves as a stark reminder of the lengths that organizations might go to protect their interests and influence public perception, highlighting the importance of vigilance and robust security measures in protecting sensitive information.

Fast forward to the present, and there appears to be a similarly nuanced operation being conducted, not to purge records, but to insert the mythology of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) into the doctrine of the US government.

The Intersection of Scientology and UFO Research

Hal Puthoff, a physicist with deep ties to the Church of Scientology, is seen as a central figure in UFO, UAP, and paranormal research. Known for his research into remote viewing and zero-point energy, Puthoff’s interests align seamlessly with the extraterrestrial doctrine of Scientology. Puthoff’s long history with the Church dates back to the 1970s when he reportedly achieved high ranks in the Church’s spiritual hierarchy.

Puthoff’s involvement with the (popularly described) Pentagon’s UFO research program, the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), yet unproven department, places him in a unique position of influence. He has made numerous media appearances and academic contributions discussing the possibility of extraterrestrial life, creating an image of credibility and outreach in this field.

Luis Elizondo, Christopher Mellon, and the Credibility of UFO Research

Luis Elizondo, a former military intelligence official, and Christopher Mellon, a former United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, both have significant connections with Puthoff. They have played key roles in promoting the legitimacy of UFO research. All three have worked together on projects such as the To The Stars Academy of Arts & Science, aimed at studying UFO phenomena and promoting advanced technologies. Their combined influence offers a platform to subtly introduce UFO mythology into mainstream government and scientific discourse.

Government Acceptance of UFO Phenomena: Did the Church fast-track this?

Recent shifts in the US government's stance on UFOs seem to support this hypothesis. The creation of the U.S. Space Force and the release of declassified UFO footage by the Pentagon have placed UFOs as a legitimate topic of discussion. This newfound openness could well be an effect of the Church, through Puthoff, Elizondo, and Mellon, in subtly injecting their beliefs into government doctrine and the broader public discourse.

This long-term strategy mirrors the tactics used in Operation Snow White. The Church doesn’t need to outright assert its beliefs or influence; it just needs to normalize the topics that support its doctrine.

A Twofold Goal: Bolstering the Church and Changing Public Perception

This influence campaign likely has two main goals. First, by integrating UFO mythology into government doctrine, the Church can reinforce its spiritual narrative, thus strengthening its base and appeal. Secondly, the legitimization of UFO phenomena by government institutions could enhance the Church’s societal standing and minimize the skepticism and criticism it often encounters.

Public Relations and Outreach: The Church of Scientology has invested heavily in public relations, media, and outreach activities. They run multiple TV and internet campaigns, highlighting their community services, drug rehabilitation efforts, and other public good initiatives. They’ve also produced several documentaries and series that present the Church in a positive light, including the Scientology Network on platforms like Roku, DirecTV, and Apple TV.

Just like the Church, TTSA used media and public engagement to communicate its messages. The organization has been involved in producing the History Channel series “Unidentified: Inside America’s UFO Investigation,” which brings attention to the UAP topic. Both Elizondo and Mellon have made numerous media appearances, discussing their work and findings, thus keeping the conversation alive in the public domain.

Celebrity Endorsements: Since the Church’s early days, celebrity members have been leveraged to improve public perception. High-profile figures like Tom Cruise and John Travolta, among others, have publicly endorsed and defended the Church. The Church’s Celebrity Centre International in Los Angeles specifically caters to artists, politicians, leaders, and athletes.

While TTSA did not utilize celebrity endorsements in the same way the Church does, it was co-founded by Tom DeLonge, a famous musician and known UFO enthusiast. His fame undoubtedly helped garner attention for TTSA and its initiatives.

Legal Advocacy and Lobbying: The Church has been known to use legal action to defend its image and practices, often suing critics and ex-members. Additionally, the Church has engaged in lobbying efforts to influence policies, most notably in the 1990s when it sought to achieve IRS recognition as a tax-exempt religious organization — a recognition they eventually received, bolstering its legitimacy.

Elizondo, Mellon, and TTSA have been instrumental in advocating for increased government transparency around UAPs. They’ve pushed for declassification of certain documents and lobbied for formal government inquiries. For example, Mellon has written op-eds and engaged policymakers about the national security implications of UAPs.

Interfaith Activities: The Church participates in interfaith initiatives to position itself alongside mainstream religious organizations. They promote religious freedom, positioning themselves as allies in shared religious rights causes.

Rather than interfaith, TTSA emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration. It has assembled a team of scientists, engineers, and former intelligence officers to conduct comprehensive research on UAPs. This multi-disciplinary approach is aimed at establishing TTSA as a credible research body in the UAP field.

Social and Community Programs: The Church runs several programs positioned as beneficial to society. These include the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, Narconon (drug rehabilitation), Criminon (prison rehabilitation), and Applied Scholastics (education), among others. These initiatives can help to enhance their image as a socially conscious and beneficial organization.

While the Church runs social programs, TTSA focused on research and education. They published articles, hosted talks, and produced documentaries about UAPs, aiming to educate the public about these phenomena. They’ve also proposed developing advanced technologies inspired by the phenomena they study.

Both the Church of Scientology and tightly interwoven figures like Elizondo, Mellon, and Puthoff, are employing a variety of strategies to bolster their credibility and influence discourse — one around a religious institution, the other around a scientific and national security mystery. Each uses public engagement, endorsements, advocacy, collaboration, and public service to shape public perception and advance their respective agendas. However, despite the historical precedent and circumstantial evidence, we must tread with caution. These connections and coincidences do not directly confirm a grand conspiracy by the Church. It does, however, warrant vigilant scrutiny and critical analysis of the ongoing UFO discourse and those key figures — especially those with direct ties to the Church.

Unraveling the Web: A Call to Vigilance

The connections between Puthoff, Elizondo, and Mellon; their shared interests in UFO phenomena; their joint ventures, such as the To The Stars Academy; and their respective ties to the government and the Church of Scientology, all create an intricate web that deserves careful exploration.

Lue Elizondo and Christopher Mellon, both with backgrounds in defense and intelligence, have given UFO research a newfound resurgence. Their combined influence and credibility, (while waining) when aligned with Puthoff’s interests and Church affiliations, could subtly integrate elements of the Church’s doctrine into public and governmental discourse.

Still, it’s essential to remember that while we have plenty of documented evidence for Operation Snow White, the same level of evidence does not exist for the supposed plot to introduce UFO mythology into US government doctrine. Much of this hypothesis is based on connections, coincidences, and conjecture. However, time will ultimately shed light on whether or not there is a direct effort by Scientology to influence the US Government regarding UFOs to prop up the underlying basis of the Church.

Looking Ahead: Maintaining Skepticism Amid the Unknown

As we venture further into the exploration of the outer reaches of our universe, it becomes more crucial than ever to maintain a healthy level of skepticism, challenge assumptions, and ask who stands to gain from the information we are given.

Whether the potential plot exists or not, the intersection of religion, government, and science is a complex field, one that can be manipulated and influenced. It’s this complexity and the potential for covert manipulation that should serve as a reminder to always question and scrutinize the information and narratives we are presented with.

The historical precedent of Operation Snow White and the circumstantial evidence surrounding Hal Puthoff, Luis Elizondo, and Christopher Mellon, make this a plausible scenario that warrants further scrutiny.

If the Church is actively involved in infiltrating the US Government — AGAIN — a high-level overview of their process could likely be to:

1. Identifying Vulnerable Agencies: The Church would need to identify government agencies that are likely to have an interest in UFO-related matters or have access to information relevant to their beliefs. This could include agencies involved in defense, intelligence, scientific research, or those with connections to aerospace technologies.
2. Covert Recruitment: The Church would seek out individuals sympathetic to their beliefs and with the necessary skills and qualifications to gain employment within the identified agencies. These individuals would be recruited covertly, ensuring their allegiance to the Church and their commitment to furthering its objectives.
3. Gradual Influence and Networking: Once placed within targeted agencies, the Church’s operatives would gradually establish connections and build relationships with key personnel. They would participate in relevant conferences, research projects, and working groups, positioning themselves as knowledgeable and credible sources in the field of UFO phenomena.
4. Dissemination of UFO Myth and Lore: The operatives would discreetly introduce UFO myth and lore into government circles, carefully selecting information that aligns with the Church’s beliefs. They would engage in discussions, present papers, and propose research projects that subtly integrate the Church’s narrative into the discourse surrounding UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena.
5. Infiltration of Decision-Making Processes: The operatives would aim to reach positions of influence or work closely with decision-makers within the agencies. Through their influence, they could sway policies, research priorities, and the dissemination of information, all in ways that align with the Church’s agenda.
6. Building Alliances and External Support: The Church may seek to build alliances with other organizations or influential individuals who share an interest in UFO phenomena or who can provide support for their objectives. This could include collaborations with private companies, think tanks, or even foreign entities sympathetic to their cause.

Does any of that sound as if it matches with current events to you?

The ongoing discourse surrounding UFOs and extraterrestrial life serves as a stark reminder of how belief systems, whether religious or scientific, can subtly shape societal understanding and government policy. In the complex interplay between these forces, it’s vital to remain vigilant and critical, to ensure the pursuit of truth remains uncompromised.