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.
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.