Full Breakdown
Project Recover: Utilizing Underwater Technology to Repatriate Missing Service Members
12/26/2025, 9:37:28 PM
Overview of the Mission
More than 80,000 service members remain unaccounted for from past conflicts, with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency estimating that the remains of approximately 38,000 veterans could potentially be recovered. Nonprofit organization Project Recover collaborates with this agency to locate and repatriate these service members through advanced underwater missions. The organization employs technology such as underwater drones and scuba diving gear to find the sites of downed aircraft and ships, followed by DNA analysis to identify remains.
Historical Context of the Efforts
The initiative traces its roots back to 1993 when Dr. Patrick Scannon, the founder of Project Recover, discovered a downed World War II aircraft while visiting the Palau islands. The U.S. military's operations in the Palau islands were significant during the war, particularly the Battle of Peleliu in 1944, where 1,800 Americans were killed, and over 8,000 were wounded or went missing. The battle was part of a larger campaign to liberate the Philippines, and the U.S. faced fierce resistance from Japanese troops.
Key Achievements and Ongoing Missions
Project Recover has conducted over 100 missions across 25 countries, successfully repatriating 24 missing Americans and locating more than 200 others who are still unaccounted for. A notable success involved the recovery of three service members—Lieutenant Jay Manown, AOM1c Anthony Di Petta, and ARM1c Wilbur Mitts—who perished during a bombing mission in September 1944. Their remains were identified through forensic analysis, culminating in a repatriation ceremony that brought together their families.
Future Endeavors and Funding Challenges
Looking ahead, Project Recover aims to locate a B-52 bomber that disappeared during a training accident off the Texas coast in February 1968, which involved eight service members. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency cannot allocate funds for this search due to the non-combat nature of the incident. Project Recover has raised over $300,000 for this mission but estimates an additional $200,000 is needed to proceed. The organization emphasizes the importance of finding the wreckage to provide closure for the families of the missing service members.
Criticism and Opposition
While the efforts of Project Recover are largely supported, challenges remain regarding funding and resource allocation for searches related to non-combat incidents. The inability of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to fund these searches has drawn criticism from families seeking answers about their loved ones.
Official Statements & Responses
Former Navy Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet, a member of Project Recover's advisory council, stated, "Our work is to use technology... to find the platforms that these members perished on and then do the DNA analysis of detecting and recovering their remains." He also highlighted the emotional connections formed among the families of the recovered service members, noting the shared experiences and bonds that have developed through this process.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a great American story here,” — Tim Gallaudet, Former Navy Rear Admiral
- “We held the ceremony in his hometown in West Virginia, and the relatives of all three service members came to that final ceremony,” — Tim Gallaudet
- “We have a connection because our uncles were involved in not only defending the freedom of the United States, but as human beings who fought together and died together," Nakamura said.” — Suzanne Nakamura, Niece of AOM1c Anthony Di Petta
Through its innovative use of technology and commitment to honoring the sacrifices of service members, Project Recover continues to play a vital role in the ongoing effort to bring closure to families affected by the loss of their loved ones in military conflicts.
