Kash Patel Snorkeling at Pearl Harbor Memorial Site
Kash Patel, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, visited Hawaii last summer as part of an official trip that included meetings with local law enforcement and a tour of the FBI’s Honolulu field office. The FBI later clarified that the visit was work-related and not a personal vacation, according to reports.
However, newly surfaced government emails obtained by The Associated Press revealed that Patel also participated in a private “VIP snorkel” excursion near the USS Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor. The military-coordinated outing reportedly took place days after his official engagements on the island. The USS Arizona, which sank during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, remains the resting place of more than 900 U.S. sailors and Marines.
The revelation has intensified criticism surrounding Patel’s use of government resources, including FBI aircraft and international travel, with critics arguing that professional duties are increasingly overlapping with leisure activities. The FBI did not publicly mention the snorkeling excursion or disclose that Patel had returned to Hawaii for an additional two-day stay following his initial visit.
Stacey Young, founder of Justice Connection, an advocacy network of former federal prosecutors and agents supporting Justice Department independence, criticized Patel’s actions, saying the incident reflected a broader pattern of distractions during his leadership.
Access to the waters surrounding the USS Arizona memorial is typically restricted, with snorkeling and diving largely prohibited due to the site’s historical and military significance. The submerged battleship has long served as one of America’s most solemn war memorials since the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II.
According to the Daily Mail, Marine veteran Hack Albertson condemned the snorkeling activity, describing it as disrespectful and comparing it to “having a bachelor party in a church.”
In rare cases, marine archaeologists and National Park Service crews are granted permission to dive at the memorial to inspect the wreckage or conduct ceremonial burials for surviving crew members who wish to be laid to rest alongside their fellow sailors.
Reports indicate that, since at least the Obama administration, a limited number of dignitaries and officials connected to the memorial’s oversight have quietly been allowed similar access to the site. However, both the Navy and National Park Service declined to identify individuals who received such permissions.
Former FBI directors have visited Pearl Harbor in official capacities over the years, but individuals familiar with prior visits told AP that none dating back to at least 1993 participated in snorkeling activities at the memorial. A former government diver, speaking anonymously, said granting such access is highly unusual due to security concerns, safety risks and logistical complications.
Patel’s leadership has faced increasing public scrutiny over the past year, particularly regarding his use of government-funded travel and resources. Earlier this year, criticism also emerged after footage showed Patel celebrating with members of the U.S. men’s hockey team in the locker room following their Winter Olympics gold medal victory in Milan. Patel defended that trip, stating it was connected to a cybercrime investigation involving Italian authorities.
Follow Dalmar TV on Facebook for the Latest News
