FBI Director Under Fire for Controversial Snorkeling Trip at Pearl Harbor
FBI Director's Snorkeling Excursion Raises Eyebrows
Kash Patel, the Director of the FBI, is currently facing increased scrutiny following the revelation of government emails that indicate his involvement in a “VIP snorkel” trip around the USS Arizona memorial during a visit to Hawaii last summer. This excursion, organized by military personnel, was not mentioned in the FBI's official communications regarding Patel’s trip to Honolulu.
Emails acquired through a public records request by a news agency show that Patel engaged in the snorkeling activity shortly after visiting the FBI’s Honolulu field office and meeting with local law enforcement officials. The USS Arizona memorial, located at Pearl Harbor, is a revered military site, serving as the final resting place for over 900 sailors and Marines who lost their lives during the 1941 attack.
Interestingly, the FBI did not disclose Patel’s snorkeling session or his extended stay in Hawaii for two additional days after his initial visit while returning from official trips to Australia and New Zealand.
Concerns About the 'VIP Snorkel'
The report highlighted that snorkeling and diving around the USS Arizona are typically restricted, with access usually granted only to marine archaeologists, National Park Service teams, and specific memorial-related activities. Nevertheless, military officials admitted that certain dignitaries and senior officials have been allowed similar excursions for years.
Military correspondence referred to Patel’s outing as a “VIP Snorkel,” with participants reportedly instructed to avoid touching the submerged battleship and briefed on the memorial’s historical importance. Critics have raised concerns about the appropriateness of such an excursion for someone in Patel's position. Stacey Young, the founder of Justice Connection, remarked that this incident illustrates a trend of Patel being sidetracked by “unseemly” activities instead of concentrating on national security duties.
The Navy confirmed the snorkeling trip but stated it could not ascertain who initiated the request. Officials characterized the excursion as “not an anomaly.” This controversy arises amid ongoing scrutiny of Patel’s travel and the use of government resources during his time in office. Earlier this year, Patel defended another overseas trip after footage emerged showing him celebrating with members of the US men’s hockey team at the Winter Olympics in Milan. Patel has yet to publicly address the Pearl Harbor snorkeling incident.