Airman John B. Sells while on guard duty saw a grey oblong object hovering over the Ladd AFB runway at an altitude of approximately 18,000' at 80º above the horizon. The object which looked like a flattened football was estimated to be 10' to 12' thick and 120' across.
The object remained hovering for about 45 seconds and then moved with great speed to the north after emitting a single white smoke ring.
According to the OSI Report, there were no weather balloons or aircraft in the area at that time. Airman Sells is an aircraft mechanic.