05/26/2026
It was an extraordinary week of accomplishments for the 2026 National Park Service Wounded Veterans In Parks USS Arizona Dive Team.
Each morning began at base quarters before the team headed to the Dive Locker, Building 416, for the daily briefing—reviewing objectives, mapping out key elements of the assignment, and gathering the necessary materials for the day’s mission.
Upon arrival at the pier, equipment was unloaded, transferred to the shuttle boat, and transported to the USS Arizona Memorial, where the day’s project officially began. After Brett reviewed the final details, the teams entered the water and got to work.
The week’s projects opened with a detailed tour of the ship led by Brett. With more than 500 dives on the Arizona, Brett is a true expert on every aspect of the ship’s deck. During the tour, he identified several portholes on the starboard side that divers would probe the following day in search of “pooling” bunker C fuel—a messy task that often results in oil on just about everything.
Another major project involved locating various PVC receptacles on the ship. Once found, one diver inserted a long pole into the receptacle on the deck while their buddy held the opposite end at the surface, where a GPS device was attached. Scientists aboard a nearby boat used tracking equipment to record seven separate ship locations. It was physically demanding work, and the teams performed exceptionally.
The grand finale of the week was witnessing the Memorial Day ceremony at the Visitor Center. Tom Leatherman, Superintendent Pearl Harbor National Memorial, went out of his way to thank the WVIP Team and presented each member with his personal Challenge Coin. Another key contributor honored the team by presenting each diver with an American flag.
The week concluded with every mission successfully completed, new lifelong friendships formed, and a profound sense of accomplishment. One team member summed it up perfectly: “It’s the most rewarding, fulfilling, and humbling experience anyone can imagine.”
Gratitude to the team: Brett, Andy, Larkin, Jeremy, Dave, Paul, and Jeremiah. You’re all rockstars.
And a very special thank you to Aileen Utterdyke, President & CEO of Pacific Historic Parks, and Tom Leatherman, Superintendent of Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women… can never be repaid.”
—Harry S. Truman
PLEASE NOTE: numerous underwater image’s will shared in the days ahead.
