Lou Conter, Last Surviving Crew Member from the U.S.S. Arizona Gives Full Support to “Operation 85”

On Monday May 22, 2023 one of our fellow U.S.S. Arizona family members, Teri Mann-Wyahtt made the voyage to California to visit with Lou Conter, the last surviving crew member from the U.S.S. Arizona. Teri went to reconnect with an old friend, update Lou on “Operation 85” and most importantly get his blessing and support of the mission.

Retired Lieutenant Commander Lou Conter, USN, was a Quartermaster 3rd class aboard the U.S.S. Arizona on December 7, 1941. Mr. Conter knew fellow survivor FC1c Lauren Bruner as one of 5 final survivors of the Arizona crew. Bruner and Teri’s uncle were best friends, so a connection grew.

Teri has been working with “Operation 85” since its inception, and was the very first family member to agree to participate. She took this opportunity to explain the mission of “Operation 85” and Lou could not be more happy knowing that after 82 years, it’s the family members that are the ones taking action and leading the way to make things happen with identifying the unknowns. We’ll be reporting more on Teri’s trip and what Lou had to say about “Operation 85” in an upcoming email. Thank you Teri Mann-Wyhatt for making this trip and safe travels back home!