Kash Patel, a senior U.S. government official whose activities were highlighted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), participated in a "VIP snorkel" excursion around the USS Arizona memorial during an official trip to Hawaii last year. This outing, which was not publicly disclosed by the FBI at the time, occurred during Patel’s August visit to Hawaii, following official meetings he held in Australia and New Zealand.
"It’s like having a bachelor party at a church. It’s hallowed ground." — Marine veteran Hack Albertson
The USS Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor serves as the solemn resting place for over 900 sailors and Marines who perished during Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Government emails, obtained through public records requests by The Associated Press, revealed that military officials coordinated logistics and personnel for what documents explicitly described as a “VIP Snorkel” near the sunken battleship.
While the FBI publicly emphasized Patel’s engagements with local law enforcement and his visit to the Honolulu field office in official statements and press releases, no mention was made of the snorkeling excursion. An FBI spokesperson later confirmed Patel's visit to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam as part of broader national security meetings that involved officials from New Zealand, Australia, and the Department of War. The spokesperson also noted that military commanders routinely host senior U.S. government officials during official travel that includes discussions on national security or military cooperation.
The Navy confirmed Patel’s participation in the snorkeling excursion but stated that officials were unable to determine who initially arranged or requested the visit to the memorial site. Participants in the outing were reportedly given instructions not to touch the wreckage and received a briefing on the historic significance of the site, emphasizing its status as a military cemetery and memorial, as reported by the Associated Press. Snorkeling and diving activities near the USS Arizona are generally restricted, with access typically granted only to military personnel, marine archaeologists, and those involved in specific official preservation efforts.
The Associated Press report also highlighted that former FBI directors, dating back to at least 1993, had not participated in similar snorkeling excursions during official visits to Pearl Harbor. This disclosure comes amid broader scrutiny surrounding Patel’s travel, use of government aircraft, and activities during official overseas trips as FBI director, a role he held during a period of his public service. Patel previously faced criticism earlier this year after a video surfaced showing him celebrating with members of the U.S. men’s hockey team during the Winter Olympics in Milan.
Further details from the AP report indicate that Patel returned to Hawaii for an additional two-day stay after his initial stop, which was connected to the official meetings in Australia and New Zealand. Flight tracking data showed that the Gulfstream jet, typically utilized by the FBI director, remained in Hawaii during this extended stop before subsequently traveling to Las Vegas.
The snorkeling excursion has drawn criticism from some veterans and family members of Pearl Harbor survivors. They argue that the memorial should be treated with greater solemnity, given its sacred status as a gravesite for service members. Marine veteran Hack Albertson articulated this sentiment, stating, “It’s like having a bachelor party at a church. It’s hallowed ground.” The incident has intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability regarding the official travel and conduct of senior government officials.
