Science & Research

Exploring the Depths: Science and Research at USS Arizona

Welcome to the Science and Research page of the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor National Memorial, where history meets scientific inquiry. This page is dedicated to showcasing the diverse array of scientific and archaeological endeavors undertaken by the National Park Service and its partners. These initiatives provide crucial insights into the preservation, interpretation, and understanding of one of America’s most solemn memorials.

From advanced imaging and artifact preservation to the study of coral ecology around the shipwreck, our projects span a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. Each year, through collaboration with various government agencies, educational institutions, and private entities, we embark on projects that not only help preserve the USS Arizona but also enrich our understanding of its historical and ecological significance.

 

Scientist Conducting Underwater Corrosion Research

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Corrosion Research at the USS Arizona - August 2018

In August 2018, the National Park Service collaborated with students from the US Coast Guard Academy to undertake a significant corrosion research project at the USS Arizona. This important work involved deploying corrosion racks, collecting surface oil samples, and carrying out extensive project imaging and documentation. The primary goal of this project was to enhance the understanding of the corrosion rate affecting the USS Arizona and to gather more insights into the oil still leaking from the shipwreck.

The team was bolstered by the expertise of Chris Reddy, a senior scientist in the Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, and Don Johnson, a noted metallurgist. Their combined knowledge contributed greatly to the depth of the research.

 

NPS divers work with wounded veterans to involve them in the scientific study, interpretation, and protection of one of our nation’s most important memorials to military service and sacrifice - USS Arizona.

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Wounded Veterans Assist at USS Arizona - March 2018

In March 2018, the National Park Service Submerged Resources Center, in collaboration with Pacific Historic Parks - USS Arizona Memorial, introduced a unique program at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. This initiative integrates wounded service members into the scientific study, interpretation, and preservation of one of our nation’s most revered military memorials—the USS Arizona.

This innovative program pairs NPS underwater archaeologists with disabled veterans who are trained as scientific scuba divers. These veterans contribute significantly to the park service's ongoing management and conservation efforts for the USS Arizona, enhancing its stewardship of this American historical icon. Learn More Veterans Assist at USS Arizona

 

Jessica Keller, an archaeologist from the National Park Service, stands in front of the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.

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Research Dives at the USS Arizona - August 2016

Join Jessica Keller, a 29-year-old archaeologist from the National Park Service's Submerged Resources Center, as she embarks on a series of research dives at the USS Arizona. This mission is pivotal in studying the structure of the ship, which remains a significant part of our naval history.

Dive Log:

• August 10, 2016 - First Dive at the USS Arizona
  Jessica Keller begins her exploration, marking the start of a detailed structural analysis of the USS Arizona. This initial dive sets the stage for a comprehensive examination.

• August 12, 2016 - Locating Access Points into the USS Arizona
  The focus shifts to identifying possible entry points into the ship. This crucial step aids in planning further detailed internal surveys and ensuring the safety of subsequent dives.

• August 18, 2016 - Underwater at the USS Arizona
  On her final documented dive of the month, Jessica continues her underwater research, gathering critical data to contribute to the ongoing preservation and interpretation efforts at the site.

 

Diver Embarking on an Underwater Expedition.

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Live Dives at the USS Arizona

Discover how you can witness and even participate in our upcoming live dives at the USS Arizona. Visitors have the unique opportunity to watch the dives in real-time at our theater, where you can interact directly with our National Park Service dive team by asking real-time questions. Experience the dive as NPS divers explore various sections of the ship and explain how the USS Arizona has transformed into a vibrant haven for marine life.

For those who can't attend in person, or wish to view past expeditions, visit our YouTube page for recordings of previous live dives and other underwater explorations.

 

In the accompanying image, an NPS diver is shown setting up a tripod to reoccupy high-resolution GPS locations on the USS Arizona as part of a long-term monitoring program.

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Research at the USS Arizona

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial serves as a central point for diverse scientific endeavors, including underwater archaeology, coral ecology, artifact preservation, and advanced imaging. In collaboration with various government agencies, educational institutions, and private entities, the site hosts numerous projects annually aimed at deepening our understanding of historical events, shipwreck dynamics, coral recruitment, and more.

A key initiative within this framework is the Inventory and Monitoring Program, which forms an integral part of the National Park Service’s strategy to enhance park management through a robust foundation in scientific knowledge. The Pacific Island Network, linking 32 national parks with common geographical and natural resource characteristics, is one of the National Park Service Inventory & Monitoring networks.