The USS Arizona Project: Exposing DPAA Corruption and Fighting for Justice

In a recent episode of The StoneZone, host Roger Stone sat down with Kevin Kline, Executive Director of Operation 85, to discuss his tireless efforts to bring justice and closure to the families of the USS Arizona crew. The interview shed light on systemic corruption, mismanagement, and inefficiencies within the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) under the leadership of Mr. Kelly McKeague.

A Promise Unfulfilled

Eighty-five years after the attack on Pearl Harbor, 85 USS Arizona crew members remain unidentified, their remains interred as “unknowns” at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as the Punchbowl. While the government has the resources and technology to identify these heroes, it has repeatedly failed to act. Operation 85, led by Kline, has taken up the mantle to ensure these servicemen are honored with proper identification and recognition.

Despite the DPAA’s $200 million annual budget and a congressional mandate to identify at least 200 service members each year, the agency has met this target only twice in the past decade—an 80% failure rate. These dismal results have left families waiting for answers, while taxpayer dollars are squandered on ineffective processes.

Corruption at the Top

The DPAA’s leadership under Mr. Kelly McKeague is a focal point of criticism. McKeague, a former Air Force Major General, was previously demoted following a congressional investigation into dysfunction and fraud at the agency’s predecessor, JPAC. Among the revelations were staged “coming home” ceremonies featuring flag-draped coffins—empty of remains—meant to create the illusion of progress.

Despite these scandals, McKeague transitioned to civilian leadership of the rebranded DPAA, where the culture of inefficiency persists. Stone and Kline highlighted the agency’s refusal to adopt modern DNA technology and its unwillingness to collaborate with private-sector experts who could significantly reduce costs and accelerate identifications.

Destroyed Evidence and Missed Opportunities

Perhaps most troubling is the DPAA’s history of destroying evidence. During the interview, a shocking video clip revealed that files related to unknown service members at Arlington Cemetery were deliberately destroyed to prevent future identification efforts. This revelation reflects a culture of negligence and a disregard for the mission to honor America’s fallen heroes.

Operation 85 has proven what is possible when innovative approaches are embraced. Kline shared how his team, using private-sector DNA labs and AI technology, has identified potential remains for a fraction of the cost incurred by the DPAA. While the DPAA spends an estimated $2.3 million per identification, Operation 85 achieves similar results for just $8,000–$10,000 per case.

Legislative Challenges and Sabotaged Solutions

Kline’s efforts to push for legislative support have faced significant challenges. Language meant to empower private contractors and modernize processes was sabotaged during the drafting of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). According to Kline, DPAA officials manipulated the legislation to maintain their monopoly on identifications, rendering the new provisions ineffective.

A Path Forward

Despite these obstacles, Kline remains undeterred. Operation 85 has made remarkable progress, including building a robust database of USS Arizona crew records and gaining the support of over 1,000 family members. By combining advanced technology with grassroots advocacy, Kline hopes to not only identify the USS Arizona unknowns but also reform a broken system.

The interview ended on a hopeful note, with Stone offering to connect Kline with influential lawmakers like Senator Tommy Tuberville, who has a strong track record of supporting veterans’ issues. Kline’s fight underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and innovation within government agencies tasked with honoring America’s fallen.

Kevin Kline’s mission is more than a labor of love; it is a call to action for the DPAA and Congress to fulfill their promise to the American people. As Kline continues to expose inefficiencies and push for meaningful reform, his dedication serves as a reminder that even in the face of bureaucracy and corruption, change is possible.

The StoneZone airs daily on Rumble and World View Tube. Follow Roger Stone for more interviews on pressing issues.