The FBI has defended Director Kash Patel’s snorkeling near the USS Arizona shipwreck at Pearl Harbor, dismissing criticism as an inappropriate characterization of a routine interagency engagement. The Associated Press reported the expedition, coordinated by the military, drew ire from a marine veteran who deemed it akin to a “bachelor party” at a sacred site. An FBI spokesperson labeled the AP’s portrayal “stupid,” asserting the event was a historical tour to honor fallen heroes, not a leisure activity, and part of Patel’s official national security engagements. This incident adds to ongoing scrutiny of the director’s use of government resources and potential blurring of professional and personal activities.
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A snorkeling excursion around the USS Arizona, a site of solemn remembrance, was coordinated by the military for FBI Director Kash Patel. This outing, described as a “VIP snorkel” and not disclosed by the FBI, occurred days after Patel’s official visit to Hawaii. While such dives are generally restricted due to the site’s designation as a military cemetery, a select few dignitaries have been permitted these excursions since at least the Obama administration. The Navy confirmed the outing, stating it was “not an anomaly” and participants were instructed not to touch the sunken vessel, though the initiation of the event remains unclear.
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During a trip to Hawaii, FBI Director Kash Patel participated in a “VIP snorkel” around the USS Arizona, a protected military cemetery. This excursion, coordinated by the military, was not disclosed by the FBI and occurred after Patel’s official visit to the bureau’s Honolulu field office. While a few dignitaries have historically been permitted to swim at the site, it is generally off-limits, raising questions about the use of government resources and potential blurring of professional duties with leisure. Critics argue such activities detract from Patel’s focus on national security.
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John Q. Hosedrinker