The National Park Service is adding new dimension to research and visitor experience at the USS Arizona Memorial by capturing the submerged battleship in three-dimensional, high-definition imagery.

The USS Arizona, as it now rests submerged in Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, has become a symbol of one of the 20th century’s most pivotal events. Nearly 1.5 million people make the journey to the USS Arizona Memorial each year to understand and contemplate the events of Dec 7, 1941. These visitors pay their respects to those 2,390 Americans who lost their lives on Oahu and the more than 900 sailors and marines still entombed within the battleship.

During a 10-day field project, NPS and several research partners will capture new underwater imagery to create an immersive experience in 3D-HD television on the submerged battleship. The 3D-HD technology uses two parallel HD camera systems to capture images that our brains interpret as 3D and is similar to the technology the entertainment industry now uses.

“This is not the gimmicky 3D movies with red-and-blue cardboard glasses of years past” said Brett Seymour of the NPS Submerged Resources Center. “This is a documentary-style presentation brought to life as the viewer is immersed in the waters of Pearl Harbor and experiences USS Arizona as a touchstone of history.”

“In addition to educational and visitor-experience products, these cameras generate high-resolution video and still images that are critical to the site stewardship and ongoing research in the areas of structural integrity and oil release,” memorial Superintendent Paul DePrey said.

Advanced Imaging and Visualization Laboratory, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, designed and built the underwater 3D-HD camera systems NPS researchers will use to document the battleship’s exterior systems.  VideoRay LLC provided a remotely operated vehicle with a miniature underwater 3D-HD system to researchers so they can assess the condition of cabins within the ship.

“These new underwater stereoscopic, 3D survey tools we have developed enable maritime archeologists to conduct extremely accurate surveys of the exteriors and interiors of sunken vessels quickly and at resolution levels never thought obtainable,” said William Lange, head of the Woods Hole lab. “We are bringing the researchers into the very areas they are interested in observing – without ever having to get wet – and, at the same time, allowing the public to experience these wrecks through immersive 3D displays in visitor centers and museums.”

The Arizona Memorial Museum Association has provided support for the project and plans to incorporate the footage into its ongoing educational programs. The U.S .Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit ONE will provide logistical and dive support, while Ocean Technology Systems provides the underwater communication resources for the project.

Here are some additional details on the principal partners in this effort:

USS Arizona Memorial at World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument – The USS Arizona Memorial preserves, researches and interprets historic events and resources surrounding the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the island of Oahu. The memorial maintains an onsite dive team that actively participates in scientific research, performs internments and assists with interpretive programs (www.nps.gov/usar). For information on the dive program, contact Christine Carr at (808) 422-2772x116; the park’s media contact is Eileen Martinez, (808) 422-2772x124.

NPS Submerged Resources Center – The Submerged Resources Center provides direct support to NPS superintendents and partners responsible for stewardship of submerged resources. It also enhances and facilitates public appreciation, access, understanding and preservation of those resources (www.nps.gov/submerged).  The media contact is Brett Seymour, (505) 310-5501.

Arizona Memorial Museum Association – The Arizona Memorial Museum Association, a congressionally authorized, nonprofit organization, supports NPS’ interpretation and related visitor-service activities at four Pacific-region sites. These sites are the USS Arizona Memorial; War in the Pacific National Historical Park (Guam); American Memorial Park (Saipan); and Kalaupapa National Historic Park (Molokai, Hawaii) (www.arizonamemorial.org ). The media contact is Lisa Ontai, (808) 375-9352.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution – The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is a private, independent organization in Falmouth, Mass., that since 1930, has dedicated itself to marine research, engineering and higher education. Its primary mission is to understand the oceans and their interaction with the Earth as a whole and to communicate understanding of the oceans’ role in the changing global environment (www.whoi.edu ). The media contact is William Lange, (508) 289-2782.

VideoRay LLC – With more than 1,200 remotely operated vehicles in service around the world, VideoRay has become a global leader in Micro-ROV technology. Weighing just 8 pounds, the VideoRay is as an extremely versatile, portable, affordable and reliable solution for underwater operations (www.videoray.com ). The media contact is Brian Luzzi, (610) 458-3015.

U.S. Navy Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit ONE – The Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit ONE rapidly deploys combat-ready, expeditionary-warfare, specialized dive teams. These teams conduct harbor and waterway clearance, emergent underwater repairs, and salvage operations in all environments (www.mdsu1.navy.mil ). The contact number for the commanding officer is (808) 422-9292.