Fulfilling Our Nation’s Promise: DNA Threshold to Disinter USS Arizona Unknowns Met

NEWS RELEASE

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

Washington, D.C. 20301-2300

Fulfilling Our Nation’s Promise

DNA Threshold to Disinter USS Arizona Unknowns Met

WASHINGTON—The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that the 60% threshold of DNA Family Reference Samples has been met for the USS Arizona (BB-39) Unknown Identification Project.

Reaching this 60% threshold allows DPAA to formally request and begin planning the disinterment of potentially 141 unknowns currently buried in multiple potentially commingled graves at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. The official start date for this effort will be announced once the disinterments have been approved by the Department of War.

DPAA extends its sincere appreciation to USS Arizona family member Kevin Kline, grandnephew of Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Robert Edwin Kline, and the "Operation 85" team for their devoted efforts over the past three years to locate and connect enough USS Arizona families to help reach this important milestone. DPAA also thanks the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy Casualty Offices, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, and the many families whose participation and willingness to provide Family Reference Samples made this progress possible.

Reaching this milestone does not conclude the search for additional USS Arizona and associated Pearl Harbor family members who may be able to provide viable DNA Family Reference Samples. DPAA, Operation 85, and the service casualty offices continue to encourage any family member who may be related to a missing USS Arizona crew member to participate in this ongoing effort.

DPAA’s mission is to provide the fullest possible accounting for our nation’s missing personnel from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and the Gulf Wars.

DPAA remains committed to working across all past conflicts as we continue the mission of providing the fullest possible accounting for missing Department of War personnel to their families and our nation.  

V/R,

DPAA Media TeamOutreach and CommunicationsDefense POW/MIA Accounting Agency – HIJoint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, HI 96782Dpaa.ncr.oc.mbx.public-affairs@mail.mil

Find the latest news at www.dpaa.mil

...Fulfilling Our Nation's Promise...