Operation 85 2024 UPDATE: Major Milestones in Honoring the USS Arizona Crew Members

New breakthroughs bring us closer to resolving the unknowns and honoring the brave.

Dear Family Members and Supporters,

We are thrilled to share an end-of-year update on the incredible progress made by Operation 85, our ongoing effort to honor the service and sacrifice of the USS Arizona crew. This year, we have achieved remarkable advancements across multiple fronts, demonstrating what can be accomplished with dedication, innovative technology, and the collective will of families like yours.

Here are the most important highlights from our work:

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1. Monumental Progress in DNA Matching

When Operation 85 began last year, only 18 DNA Family Reference Samples (FRS) were on file for the USS Arizona crew. Today, that number has skyrocketed to 451 viable samples (423 Navy, 28 Marines), with an additional 53 families currently in the DNA Kit process, bringing the total to 504 located crew members with viable family DNA references.

This achievement shatters earlier claims that progress of this magnitude would take a decade or cost millions. The results prove that with innovation and persistence, the impossible can become reality.

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2. An Expanding Network of Family Participation

To date, 1,086 family members have joined Operation 85, actively supporting our mission. Your involvement is critical, and together, we’re making history by ensuring these brave individuals are never forgotten.

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3. The Most Comprehensive Crew Database Ever Compiled

Over the past six months, we’ve assembled an unparalleled repository of data on USS Arizona crew members. This includes bios, photos, enlistment records, medical and dental files, and much more. Our database is updated daily and serves as a cornerstone for identification efforts.

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4. Evidence of 141 Crew Members Found

Through our investigation, we’ve uncovered evidence of remains belonging to 141 individual USS Arizona crew members, buried as unknowns across the Punchbowl Cemetery. This number may grow as we continue to expand our database and refine our search criteria.

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5. 19 Verifiable Identifications

Our research has yielded documentation identifying the remains of 19 individual crew members (18 Navy, 1 Marine) currently buried as unknowns. These findings bring us one step closer to giving families the closure they deserve.

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6. Advanced AI Technology Revolutionizing Our Efforts

Our cutting-edge AI technology is transforming the identification process. By cross-referencing medical records, dental charts, and personnel files, we can analyze data in minutes—work that would take human historians months or even years. This innovation has significantly improved both accuracy and efficiency.

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7. Direct Collaboration with Families

Families of identified or potentially identified crew members are actively engaged in the process. We are working closely with them to ensure discoveries are handled with respect and dignity. These families will also have the opportunity to share their stories publicly when the time is right.

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8. Advocating for Modern DNA Technology

We continue to champion the adoption of Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) technology, a game-changer for identification efforts. Removing outdated barriers to modern DNA methodologies could lead to faster, more accurate results—not just for the USS Arizona crew but for thousands of unidentified service members from other conflicts.

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A Call for Continued Support and Reflection

Despite these successes, much work remains. We are committed to exceeding expectations and achieving results that honor the legacy of these heroes. As we advocate for government agencies to adopt modern solutions, we stand ready to collaborate and drive meaningful change.

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Looking Ahead

Time is critical. Every unknown grave marker represents a story that deserves to be told, a name that deserves to be honored. With your continued support, Operation 85 will keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring these service members receive the recognition and respect they have earned.

Together, we are making history.

For more detailed updates and to explore the progress we’ve made, visit our website here and stay connected. Your support fuels our mission, and we are profoundly grateful for your commitment to this noble cause.

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Help Us Spread the Word

Please share this update with other family members and supporters. Together, we can ensure that the sacrifices of the USS Arizona crew are never forgotten.

Warm regards,
Kevin Kline
Executive Director, Operation 85