[Lower Deck]

Seem a bit odd there were naval ships training in the area and many credible people saw what they believed to be a missile or flare going up towards the aircraft.

I don't find it odd at all. People see what they want to see. How many of them have actually seen a military surface-to-air missile in flight? It's quite a sight to see, especially at night. And none of the descriptions I've seen resemble one.

[dragnet2]

People see what they want to see.

Would that include pilots and military veterans?

How many of them have actually seen a military surface-to-air missile in flight?

This is not a top secret thing.

There are many more military veterans on the streets than exist in active military.

In addition with the Internet and video, many millions have seen rocket/missile launches from nearly ever angle possible.