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#622
 USS Arizona
Matt65 - 10/21/2008 2:36 AM
Category: New Diver Q&A
Replies: 7
Does anyone know if they allow dives to the USS Arizona? Does anyone know where I might be able to go to find out about this? Does anyone have any thoughts about if this should even be allowed? I’m certantly NOT trying to be disrespectful of those that served on the fateful ship, in fact I’m meaning to be quite the opposit, I would think that it would be an honor to do such a dive (If it is even allowed), to honor those that parished, to let them know that we havn’t forgotten them. Any thoughts on this?
#3091
divemaiden - 10/21/2008 4:31 AM
It’s not allowed.
#622
Subscribed
Matt65 - 10/21/2008 9:15 PM
The following is the response I got when I sent an email to the national park service in charge of the USS Arizona..... "Mr. Lindsley, NPS Diving Management allows for diving as an appropriate resource protection function. Dives are conducted by Certified National Park Service Dive Team Personnel, and are conducted to protect the submerged cultural resource. Divers from other agencies assist us with specific projects, these dives are often for research projects or specific to the protection of the ship. Recreational and commercial diving on the USS Arizona and USS Utah by others is strictly prohibited. Thank you for your interest in the National Park Service and the USS Arizona. Christine Carr National Park Service USS Arizona Memorial AST/Park Dive Officer" Just incase anyone was interested in my findings.
#1271
TimmyP - 10/22/2008 5:43 PM
Yea actually the whole Harbor is off limits if I’m not mistaken. I dunno, there’s too much action in there for me to even think about wanting to dive there.....
#355
firediver57 - 10/23/2008 12:16 PM
Hey guy, You have to have some big time pull and a real good reason to dive it. There are still some unrecovereds down there if I am not mistaken. They also are careful because folks topside can see activity below and want to remain very respectful. Later.
#1065
VaDiver95 - 10/23/2008 7:23 PM
The Parks Service likes to keep divers off historic wrecks...the Monitor, B-29 in Nevada, etc..
#249
Anjelamae - 10/25/2008 1:14 PM
Hey Matt...I was at the Arizona yesterday, in fact. As you already know, recreational diving is not allowed. My doctor was able to dive it with the Navy Divers and said there really wasn’t anything to see. Also, in response to the person who said there are still unrecovered sailors down there, that is correct. In addition, the Arizona survivors can request to be interred there once they pass on, as many have done.

I do recommend visiting the Arizona though. Get there early as the line forms up an hour before they even open. Its an amazing piece of history and a very solemn reminder of the craziness of this world. Its pretty clear water there too, so you can see the ship very well. One thing we found fascinating yesterday was that after 67 years, there is still oil seeping up out of the ship.

Anyways, I wish you well on your trip planning!
Anj