Uss arizona crew identified milestone reached, disinterments to follow

A key DNA-related milestone has been clinched by US officials, clearing the way for the disinterment of remains from the USS Arizona to identify the crew members killed in the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack.

At least 60% of arizona crew to be identified

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced Friday that enough family reference samples have been collected for comparison with DNA from remains and medical records to identify at least 60% of the crew.

This milestone allows the DPAA to formally request and begin planning the disinterments, a crucial breakthrough in the ongoing project to conclusively establish the identities of USS Arizona crew members who perished but were not readily recognizable.

Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor killed over 2,400 American military members, including 1,177 USS Arizona crew members. Many of those who could be pulled from the wreckage were burned beyond recognition and buried as 'unknowns' in nearby cemeteries.

Operation 85, a civilian-led organization founded by Robert Kline's grandnephew Kevin Kline, dedicated itself to identifying Arizona's remaining unknowns. The DPAA thanked Kevin and his team, citing their devoted efforts over the past three years to locate and connect enough USS Arizona families to help reach this important milestone.

Accomplishing this milestone brings closer the disinterment of potentially 141 unknowns currently buried in multiple, possibly commingled graves at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The DPAA is urging any family members who might be related to missing Arizona crew members to assist the identification effort.