New USS Arizona documentary to premiere at Pearl Harbor ahead of 85th anniversary
Friday, November 6, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Scott Ishikawa
Or Allison Valdez
Becker Communications, Inc.
(808) 533-4165
Bernie Caalim
Pacific Historic Parks
(808) 373-0419
NEW USS ARIZONA DOCUMENTARY TO PREMIERE AT PEARL HARBOR
AHEAD OF 85TH ANNIVERSARY
Filmmaker Tim Gray and actors from HBO's "The Pacific" to attend Dec. 4 screening at Pearl Harbor National Memorial
HONOLULU (Nov. 6, 2026) – Pacific Historic Parks, in collaboration with the National Park
Service and World War II Foundation, will present the Hawaii premiere of Surfacing: A New USS Arizona Rises on Friday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. at Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The screening takes place ahead of the 85th anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. The 58-minute documentary explores the enduring legacy of the USS Arizona (BB 39), connecting the battleship and its 1,177 fallen servicemen to a new U.S. Navy submarine that will carry the same name. Through historical storytelling, underwater exploration and interviews with those involved in the submarine's development, the film examines how the USS Arizona's legacy continues through a new generation of sailors.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Tim Gray and narrated by CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz, the documentary features interviews with crew members, General Dynamics Electric Boat leadership and the commanding officer of the future USS Arizona (SSGN-803). The Virginia-class nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine is currently under construction. Gray will attend the premiere alongside two actors from HBO's acclaimed World War II miniseries The Pacific:
• Jon Seda, who portrayed Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone, a Medal of Honor recipient whose
service included the Battle of Guadalcanal.
• Josh Bitton, who portrayed Sgt. J.P. Morgan, a Marine who served alongside Basilone
during the Guadalcanal campaign.
Produced in collaboration with the USS Arizona Legacy Foundation, the World War II
Foundation's documentary will premiere in Hawaii at Pearl Harbor, where the USS Arizona
Memorial honors those killed aboard the battleship.
Following the screening, Gray, Seda and Bitton will participate in a panel discussion and
autograph signing. Gray, founder and president of the World War II Foundation, has directed, produced, and written 47 war documentaries, earning seven regional Emmy Awards and numerous international film honors.
Screening Details
WHAT: Hawaii premiere of Surfacing: A New USS Arizona Rises (58 minutes)
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, at 6 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
WHERE: Pearl Harbor National Memorial Theater, 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu
WHO: Filmmaker Tim Gray and actors Jon Seda and Josh Bitton, from HBO's The Pacific
PARKING: Complimentary parking in the visitor parking lot
TICKETS: General admission is $10 and military and kamaaina admission is $5. Additional taxes and fees apply. Tickets may be purchased online.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: Media assets and interviews with filmmaker Tim Gray and
participating actors are available upon request.
About Pacific Historic Parks
Pacific Historic Parks helps preserve Pearl Harbor’s history through education, interpretive
programs, research, preservation and restoration. Every year on the anniversary of December 7th, 1941, Pacific Historic Parks works closely with the National Park Service and U.S. Navy to honor the legacy of all WWII veterans, and commemorate the sacrifices made by our nation’s Greatest Generation during one of the most pivotal events in American history. Learn more about the 85th Pearl Harbor Commemoration and upcoming events at
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