Stars and Stripes Spotlights Operation 85’s Fight for the USS Arizona Unknowns

On behalf of every family touched by the legacy of the USS Arizona, we want to extend our deepest thanks to Stars and Stripes and reporter Matt Burke for his recent article, “DNA collection nears mark needed to exhume USS Arizona unknowns from Hawaii cemetery.” The piece not only highlights the monumental progress Operation 85 has made but also sheds light on the families, sacrifices, and stories that drive our mission forward.

In 2023, when the government said it would take over a decade and millions of dollars to locate enough families to identify the unknowns of the USS Arizona, we didn’t accept that answer. We got to work. Today—just two years later—we’ve helped locate and connect with over 567 families, with even more submitting DNA kits as we approach the Department of Defense’s disinterment threshold.

What was once declared “unfeasible” is now within reach. And it’s thanks to the passion of the families who’ve answered the call, the experts who joined our effort, and the belief that these fallen heroes deserve names, headstones, and homecomings.

As the Stars and Stripes article notes, the government had just 25 families on file when we began. Today, Operation 85 represents nearly 1,200 family members of the Arizona’s crew. This progress is more than numbers—it’s a movement. A mission. A promise kept.

We are especially grateful to Matt Burke for accurately portraying not just the progress, but the emotion, the persistence, and the humanity behind this work. His reporting gives voice to the voiceless and reminds the nation that some sacrifices should never be forgotten—especially not in silence.

To read the full article, please visit:
🔗 Stars and Stripes – USS Arizona Families Push for DNA Identification

And to the families, veterans, and supporters following our progress: we are not done yet. We may be close to the DPAA’s required number, but we won’t stop until every possible family has had the chance to contribute, and every possible service member has the chance to be named.

Thank you for believing in this mission.
Thank you for standing with us.
And thank you, Stars and Stripes, for shining a light on a story too important to overlook.