Bringing Heroes Home: Operation 85’s Quest for Recognition and Closure

In the annals of history, the U.S.S. Arizona stands as an enduring symbol of sacrifice, its hallowed decks witnessing the brave souls who perished during the infamous Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. Yet, for too long, a significant chapter of this battleship’s legacy remained obscured – the fate of the unrecovered crew members, marked as “unknown” and laid to rest miles away from the iconic vessel.

Enter “Operation 85,” a poignant endeavor spearheaded by Kevin Kline, the Executive Director and great-nephew of GM2c Robert Edwin Kline USN, a hero lost on that fateful day. This mission carries a profound mission: to identify, through DNA, the U.S.S. Arizona crew members interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hi.

In a heartfelt letter, Kevin Kline extends a call for help, illuminating the urgency of this cause. The prevailing misconception that all unrecovered crew members rest beneath the Arizona Memorial is dispelled. Communal graves, marked simply as “Unknown USS Arizona,” hold the untold stories of these American heroes.

Collaborating with entities like the DPAA, National Park Service, US Navy & Marine Corps Casualty Office, and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner’s System, “Operation 85” is a testament to community-driven initiatives. However, the success of outreach and awareness crucially hinges on family members coming forward to provide DNA samples.

The significance of family assistance is underscored; it is the key to unlocking the fate of 1072 unrecovered U.S.S. Arizona crew members. “Operation 85” urges families to contribute to the identification process, bringing an end to the era of “unknown” and bestowing the recognition these heroes deserve.

The mission’s “85 on the 85th” goal sets a timeline to acquire the required DNA samples, pushing for a monumental announcement by or before the 85th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack in 2026. “Operation 85” emphasizes that family members are crucial to achieving this goal, urging them to provide DNA samples and become an integral part of bringing these unknowns home.

In a rallying call, Kevin Kline urges not just families but everyone to support this mission. Whether through sharing the website on social media, spreading awareness, or purchasing merchandise, every effort contributes to uncovering the untold stories of the U.S.S. Arizona crew members.

“Bringing Heroes Home: Operation 85’s Quest for Recognition and Closure” is a collective journey towards honoring the fallen and rewriting a chapter in history that has long been overdue.

The significance of Operation 85 lies in its commitment to honoring the memory of USS Arizona service members who perished in the Pearl Harbor attack of 1941. Here are key aspects of its significance:

1. Closure for Families: Operation 85 provides an opportunity for families of unrecovered service members to obtain closure. The identification process through DNA technology allows families to finally lay their loved ones to rest with the dignity they deserve.

2. Historical Recognition: By identifying and honoring the fallen, Operation 85 contributes to preserving the historical significance of the Pearl Harbor attack. It ensures that the sacrifices made by those aboard the USS Arizona are remembered and recognized for future generations.

3. Advancements in DNA Technology: The operation showcases the advancements in DNA technology, which were not available during the time of the attack. It highlights how scientific progress can be applied to historical cases, allowing for the resolution of long-standing mysteries.

4. Community Collaboration: Operation 85 represents a collaborative effort between civilian initiatives and government agencies like the DPAA. This community-driven approach demonstrates the collective commitment to honoring the fallen and resolving the fates of those who went down with the USS Arizona.

5. Memorialization: The identification and proper burial of unrecovered service members contribute to the memorialization of their stories. Operation 85 ensures that each individual’s sacrifice is acknowledged, fostering a sense of respect and remembrance within the wider community.

6. Timely Recognition Before Anniversary: The goal of completing the identification process before the 85th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 2026, adds a sense of urgency and significance to the operation. It aims to ensure that the fallen are recognized and remembered as a significant milestone in history.

Operation 85 is a civilian-led effort initiated by family members of unrecovered USS Arizona service members. The goal is to assist the POW/MIA Defense Agency (DPAA) in acquiring DNA samples from living family members to identify the remains of at least 85 (and possibly up to 150) service members who perished in the attack on the USS Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

Surviving family members have taken the initiative to form Operation 85. The organization works collaboratively with the DPAA to collect DNA samples from living relatives of unrecovered USS Arizona service members. The initiative is a response to the lack of DNA technology at the time of the attack, preventing proper identification and burial of the fallen.

The bodies of many USS Arizona service members remained in the water after the attack because the technology to recover and identify them was not available in 1941. The lack of DNA technology at that time made it challenging to conduct proper identifications, leading to the remains being buried, often commingled, in graves at the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.

The identification procedure involves collecting DNA samples from living family members of unrecovered USS Arizona service members. Operation 85 collaborates with the DPAA, which provides DNA tests at no cost to participants. The hope is that advanced DNA technology can now provide the means to link these samples to the unidentified remains, allowing for proper identification and burial.

Identification is necessary to provide the unrecovered service members with a proper burial. The evolution of DNA technology has opened up new possibilities for identifying those who went down with the USS Arizona. The goal is to bring closure to the families and honor the fallen sailors and Marines by providing them the respect and recognition they deserve.

Honoring the fallen is crucial as it acknowledges their sacrifice and service. Operation 85 aims to complete the identification process before the 85th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 2026. Properly honoring the fallen includes providing them with a dignified burial, acknowledging their bravery, and ensuring that their stories are remembered for generations to come.

Families of fallen USS Arizona service members play a vital role in Operation 85. They are encouraged to participate by providing DNA samples, and contributing to the efforts to identify their relatives. This collaborative effort helps bring closure to the families and ensures that the memory of their loved ones is preserved with the respect they deserve.