Full Breakdown
U.S. Military to Exhume Remains of USS Arizona Sailors
3/7/2026, 2:25:04 AM
Identification Efforts for Pearl Harbor Victims
The U.S. military is set to exhume the remains of 88 sailors and Marines who perished aboard the USS Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. These servicemen were buried as unknowns at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. The exhumation, scheduled to commence in November or December, aims to utilize advancements in DNA technology to identify these individuals, many of whom have remained nameless for over 85 years. Kelly McKeague, director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), stated that approximately eight sets of remains will be disinterred every two to three weeks, with DNA samples compared against those from family members of missing troops.
The USS Arizona, which sank just nine minutes after being bombed, accounted for nearly half of the 2,403 servicemen killed during the attack. While the remains of over 900 sailors and Marines entombed within the sunken battleship will remain undisturbed, this identification effort follows previous projects that have successfully identified hundreds of crew members from other vessels involved in the attack.
Family Perspectives and Historical Context
Kevin Kline, a descendant of one of the sailors, expressed cautious optimism regarding the identification process. He noted that many families have endured "generational grief" stemming from the loss of their loved ones. Kline founded Operation 85, which has facilitated DNA sharing among families of the missing sailors. Despite initial resistance from the DPAA, which cited a lack of medical records and DNA samples from families, Kline's efforts have resulted in participation from nearly 60% of the families contacted.
The identification initiative is seen as a significant step toward providing closure to families who have long awaited answers about their loved ones. Kline shared poignant stories of families still affected by the loss, illustrating the deep emotional scars left by the tragedy.
Official Statements and Responses
The DPAA's decision to exhume the remains marks a shift in policy after years of reluctance. McKeague emphasized the importance of using modern technology to honor the sacrifices of those who served. Kline expressed satisfaction with the progress made, stating, "I'm happy that we were able to kind of pull this together and turn that hard no."
Verbatim Quotes
- “most of the men who were burned were unrecognizable,” — Officer involved in rescue efforts
- “But he believes that families that do get a DNA match, some of whom continue to grapple with "generational grief," will get some closure.” — Kevin Kline, founder of Operation 85
- “I'm happy that we were able to kind of pull this together and turn that hard no,” — Kevin Kline
What's Next
The exhumation process is expected to begin in late 2023, with the remains analyzed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam before DNA samples are sent to the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory at Dover Air Force Base. This initiative not only aims to identify the sailors but also serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of the Pearl Harbor attack on American history and collective memory.
