FBI Joins Search For Missing Retired Air Force General/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Authorities are searching for retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland, who disappeared from his Albuquerque home nearly two weeks ago. The FBI has joined local investigators as search teams canvass neighborhoods and nearby mountain areas. Officials say there is currently no evidence of foul play but the search remains urgent due to a reported medical concern.
Missing Air Force General Search Quick Looks
- Retired Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland, 68, disappeared Feb. 27.
- He left his Albuquerque home on foot around 11 a.m.
- His cell phone was left behind, raising concern among investigators.
- A Silver Alert was issued due to a medical issue.
- Authorities have contacted more than 600 homeowners in the area.
- The FBI and Kirtland Air Force Base are assisting in the search.
- McCasland is known as an avid hiker and outdoorsman.
- Search teams are using drones, dogs, helicopters and volunteers.
- Officials say no evidence of foul play has been found so far.
- His wife urged the public to avoid speculation about UFO connections.
Deep Look
FBI Joins Search for Missing Retired Air Force General
Federal investigators have joined the search for a retired U.S. Air Force major general who disappeared from his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico nearly two weeks ago.
Authorities say Retired Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland, 68, left his residence on foot around 11 a.m. on February 27 and has not been heard from since.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office said McCasland’s family reported him missing after he failed to return home or contact relatives.
Investigators later discovered that his cell phone had been left behind, making it difficult to track his movements.
Large Multi-Agency Search Underway
Local authorities have launched an extensive search effort across Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights neighborhood and nearby foothills of the Sandia Mountains, areas McCasland frequently visited for outdoor activities.
The operation has involved:
- Neighborhood canvassing
- Interviews with residents
- Drone and helicopter searches
- Tracking dogs
- Volunteer search teams
Investigators say they have already contacted more than 600 homeowners while searching for clues about McCasland’s disappearance.
Because of McCasland’s military background and professional connections, authorities are coordinating closely with several federal agencies.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office has confirmed it is assisting in the investigation alongside Kirtland Air Force Base and local law enforcement.
Silver Alert Issued Over Medical Concern
A Silver Alert was issued by New Mexico authorities shortly after McCasland was reported missing.
Silver Alerts are similar to AMBER Alerts but are used to locate missing adults over 50 who may be experiencing medical or cognitive issues.
Officials said McCasland has an unspecified medical condition, increasing urgency in the search.
However, his wife, Susan McCasland Wilkerson, said publicly that her husband does not suffer from dementia and was not confused when he left home.
A Distinguished Military Career
McCasland served in some of the most sensitive positions within the U.S. military before retiring from the Air Force more than a decade ago.
An astronautical engineer, he holds degrees from:
- The U.S. Air Force Academy
- The Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- The Harvard Kennedy School of Government
During his career he worked on several advanced defense programs, including:
- Chief engineer on the Department of Defense Global Positioning System (GPS) program
- Director of the Space-Based Laser Project Office
- Director of special programs at the Pentagon
He later commanded the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.
Connection to UFO Discussions Draws Attention
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has long been the subject of conspiracy theories linking it to alleged extraterrestrial materials recovered after the 1947 Roswell UFO incident.
The U.S. Air Force has repeatedly denied those claims.
After retiring from the military, McCasland briefly worked with To The Stars Academy, a research organization co-founded by musician Tom DeLonge that studies unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP).
His disappearance has fueled online speculation about possible UFO connections, especially after President Donald Trump recently ordered federal agencies to release records related to extraterrestrial life and UFOs.
However, McCasland’s wife strongly dismissed those theories.
Family Urges Public Not to Speculate
In a Facebook message, Wilkerson emphasized that her husband does not possess secret knowledge about alien technology or extraterrestrial remains.
She said the couple’s connection to UFO research was limited and should not be seen as a motive for any wrongdoing.
“It is true that Neil had a brief association with the UFO community,” she wrote.
“But this connection is not a reason for someone to abduct Neil.”
Wilkerson also stressed that it is unlikely her husband would be targeted for information given that he retired nearly 13 years ago.
Community Search Efforts Continue
The search effort has drawn significant community support.
Wilkerson thanked volunteers and neighbors who have participated in the search, including teams using:
- Horses
- Specialized search dogs
- Drones
- Helicopters
- Surveillance footage from security cameras
Authorities have also asked residents to check doorbell cameras and wildlife cameras for any possible sightings.
Investigators Still Exploring All Possibilities
Officials say there is currently no evidence of foul play, but they continue to examine all possible scenarios.
Investigators are urging anyone who may have seen McCasland or has relevant video footage to contact the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.
Search teams remain focused on the areas where McCasland was known to hike or exercise.
For now, the disappearance of the decorated Air Force officer remains a mystery.
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