Diving USS Emmons Wreck: Exploring Underwater History

The USS Emmons is a popular wreck dive in Okinawa, Japan. This deep dive is a challenge but is an amazing opportunity to see WWII history.

Quick Trip Overview

• Location: Okinawa, Japan
• Closest Airport:  Naha Airport

Diving at Okinawa Quick Information

• Wet Suit: 3mm
• Water Temperature: 27-28 Celsius
• Current: There can be strong current at the descent but there are lines to use in order to assist.
• Max Depth: 42m

About the USS Emmons

USS Emmons was a destroyer minesweeper during World War II. In 1944, the USS Emmons was sailing with the Rodman when the two ships were attacked by kamikaze planes. The Rodman was struck first, and the USS Emmons circled the damaged vessel providing anti-aircraft cover with the onboard anti-aircraft guns. While the USS Emmons destroyed some kamikaze planes, the ship was eventually struck by 5 kamikaze planes. The attack resulted in 60 dead, and 77 wounded. The crew ultimately abandoned the ship due to the damage from the kamikaze planes. While the kamikaze planes did not directly sink the ship themselves, the damage was determined to be too extreme and the US sunk the ship in order to prevent the USS Emmons from going into enemy hands.

Dive Season in Okinawa

The rainy season in Okinawa starts in May and last through to about June – sometimes leading into July. There is also the chance of typhoons in the month of September.

The best period to dive at Okinawa, and when the dive season in Okinawa is from June (end of rainy season) to September. Another period is from March until May. This is when the ocean conditions are the best.

Recommended Certifications for Diving USS Emmons

For this dive it is recommended to have:

• Wreck Diver
• Deep Diver
• Sidemount

While you do not absolutely need wreck diver as you will not be penetrating the wreck – this certification is always handy to have.

Deep diver will be good, as the wreck rests on the ocean floor at approximately 40 meters. Also due to this depth, it is good to have sidemount, in order to be able to take two tanks down as your safety stop can be anywhere from 5 to 8 minutes long.

What to Spot at USS Emmons

This dive is not well known for the wildlife that will be spotted at it – the entire purpose of this dive is to see World War II history at the bottom of the ocean.

However, you can potentially spot some fish around the wreck.

Photo Spots at the USS Emmons

There are three main photo spots at the USS Emmons

• The Propeller: this is the most popular photo spot on the wreck. The back area has one of the propellers still intake. Take a great photo of the rear of the ship with the propeller.
• The Plaque: the Association of USS Emmons has placed a plaque onto the wreck to commemorate the location and those who served on the ship. This portion of the ship is located at 35m.
• Air Defense Guns: Located along the side is an air defense gun. This is a popular photo as the gun is facing upwards towards the surface. Grab a photo looking up the site of the gun, or from the side of the gun.
• Kamikaze Engine: There are some remnants of a kamikaze engine located near the wreck of the USS Emmons. You will find it has been turned into a shrine and will find flowers or other offerings left next to the engine. While it is not easily recognizable as an aircraft engine, the shrine aspect of the location makes it an interesting part of the dive.
• The Bow: You can also swim around to the front of the wreck – the line to the mooring is attached to the front here.

What to Expect Diving at USS Emmons

The USS Emmons is approximately a 10-15 minute boat ride away from the local port. The way out can be choppy as the boat is located in a channel.

There are mooring lines connected to different portions of the wreck, and the boat operators will moor at different locations for the dives.

The USS Emmons is a deep dive, resting on the ocean floor at approximately 42m.

Due to the depth, the bottom time is only approximately 20 to 30 minutes depending on oxygen consumption. You will not be able to view the entirety of the wreck on one dive, but will most likely start on one end to the middle, and then complete the second part on the next dive.

Most dive operations will take divers out on two dives at the USS Emmons due to the depth of the dive.

Additionally, due to the depth, you will have a longer safety stop than normal. Pay attention to your dive computer, as mine had a safety stop of nine minutes on my second dive. Your guide will most likely give you an air amount to signal (like 75 bar) to begin the ascent as the safety stop will be longer than the 3-minute norm.

Overall, the dive is not complex other than the depth of the USS Emmons.

What to eat between the dives

Located a short walk away from the port is a small Japanese restaurant. You will be able to eat outside and enjoy some easy meal like noodles. Also located next to this shop is an ice cream parlour where you can enjoy a dessert during your surface interval.

Dive Shops in Okinawa

Most dive shops in Okinawa will offer the opportunity to enjoy diving at USS Emmons as it is one of the most popular dive spots in Okinawa. However, always make sure to check with the dive organization that they have trips available there during your stay.