Patel went on ‘VIP snorkel’ at Pearl Harbor memorial, emails show
FBI Director Kash Patel reportedly went on a “VIP snorkel” trip around the USS *Arizona* Memorial at Pearl Harbor during a Hawaii visit last summer, based on government emails reviewed by the Associated Press. The snorkeling occurred in August 2025 after Patel returned to Hawaii from official meetings in Australia adn New Zealand.
Military officials coordinated the excursion,which took place near the sunken battleship that serves as the final resting place for more than 900 people killed in the 1941 attack. Even though the FBI publicly emphasized that Patel visited its Honolulu field office and met with local law enforcement, it did not mention the snorkeling session or that he stayed in Hawaii for an additional two days.
Flight-tracking data reviewed by the Associated Press indicated Patel’s Gulfstream aircraft remained in Hawaii for two nights before heading to Las Vegas. The FBI disputes the AP’s characterization, with a spokesman arguing it was a Department of Defense engagement with interagency partners rather than a vacation or party.
Snorkeling and diving are generally not allowed at the USS *Arizona* Memorial, except for limited groups such as marine archaeologists, maintenance personnel, and certain government officials. Former government divers told the AP that dignitaries have occasionally taken part in similar rare excursions dating back at least to the Obama administration.
The trip adds to ongoing controversy around Patel’s travel habits, including earlier criticism and questions about his attendance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
FBI Director Kash Patel went on a “VIP snorkel” excursion at the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor during a Hawaii trip last summer, according to government emails obtained by the Associated Press.
The outing took place in August 2025, after Patel returned to Hawaii from official visits to Australia and New Zealand, during which he met with foreign law enforcement and intelligence officials.
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Military officials coordinated the snorkeling session, described in emails as “VIP snorkel,” around the USS Arizona, the sunken battleship that serves as the final resting place for more than 900 sailors and Marines killed during Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
The FBI publicly highlighted Patel’s stop in Hawaii to visit the bureau’s Honolulu field office and meet with local law enforcement, but did not disclose the snorkeling session or his return to the island for an additional two-day stay.
Flight-tracking data reviewed by the Associated Press showed the Gulfstream G550 aircraft commonly used by the FBI director remained in Hawaii for two nights before traveling to Las Vegas.
FBI spokesman Ben Williamson posted a statement on X disputing the Associated Press’s report, saying that the snorkeling adventure was part of a Department of War engagement with interagency partners.
“The AP is attempting to spin an invitation from the Commanding General of Indo Pacom to a military base as a party or vacation, which is so stupid,” Williamson said. “The DoW routinely does these engagements with interagency partners – to include this one – and when he was Chief of staff for DoD in Trump 1, Patel offered the same event for many partners that came to visit. It’s a historical tour to honor heroes who died on the USS Arizona – not a party.”
The USS Arizona Memorial is generally off-limits to swimmers and divers, with exceptions typically made for marine archaeologists, maintenance crews, and certain government officials connected to the site.
According to former government divers familiar with operations at Pearl Harbor who spoke to the Associated Press anonymously, dignitaries, including defense secretaries and military leaders, have occasionally participated in similar excursions dating back at least to the Obama administration, though such access is rare.
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The Hawaii trip is the latest controversy surrounding the FBI director, who has faced criticism for his use of the bureau plane and global travel.
Earlier this year, questions emerged over his attendance at the Winter Olympics in Milan after video surfaced of him celebrating with members of the U.S. men’s hockey team following their gold medal victory. Patel had said the trip was related to a meeting with Italian authorities.
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