April 23, 2026

Fulfilling Our Nation’s Promise: DNA Threshold to Disinter USS Arizona Unknowns Met

WASHINGTON — The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that the 60% threshold of DNA Family Reference Samples has been met for the USS Arizona (BB-39) Unknown Identification Project. Reaching this 60% threshold allows DPAA to formally request and begin planning the disinterment of potentially 141 unknowns currently buried in multiple potentially commingled graves at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. The official start date for this effort will be announced once the disinterments have been approved by the Department of War.

April 17, 2026

U.S. Soldier reconnects with Lao heritage during Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency mission

PAKSE, Laos — For one U.S. Soldier, a recent mission to Laos with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency was more than an opportunity to support the recovery of missing U.S. personnel — it was his first chance to visit the country his parents once called home. Assigned to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Staff Sgt. Somvang Xayphengsy joined the mission after his unit was asked to provide one Soldier to support a DPAA recovery team in Laos. When he saw the opportunity, he decided to volunteer.

April 7, 2026

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Hosts Family Member Update in San Diego

SAN DIEGO, Ca. — The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency hosted a Family Member Update on March 28, providing Gold Star families with the latest information on their loved ones’ cases. More than 400 family members attended the event with approximately 283 attending for the first time.

April 6, 2026

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Recovery Team Conducts Recovery Operations in Laos

PAKSE, Laos — Recovery Team 3, part of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s Joint Field Activity 26-3LA, conducted recovery operations in Laos from March 6 to 30, 2026. During the activity, the 13 joint service member team uncovered multiple pieces of evidence, including aircraft wreckage, life support equipment and possible remains.

March 20, 2026

DPAA Europe-Mediterranean Detachment Improves Operations Through Innovation and Efficiency

GERMANY — The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency continues to refine its operations to improve efficiency in its mission to provide the fullest possible accounting for missing U.S. personnel. The DPAA Europe-Mediterranean Detachment, also known as the EM Detachment, recently implemented significant upgrades to its warehouse operations, introducing a new QR code-based inventory system designed to streamline tracking and accountability.