“There is an image etched in the minds of every American when they hear the date December 7th, 1941. It is an image of the Arizona, sunk to its waterline, burning and smoking where it was once moored in the placid waters of Pearl Harbor Bay. For those who venture to Oahu and visit that solemn memorial, they bear witness to the once proud remnants of steel hull that lie just below the surface. In Repose offers us that rare glimpse. This book serves as more than just a memoir of that experience, it offers students of history and maritime archeology alike a personal tour of the Arizona below the surface, what forces shaped its final contours, and how the elements continue to wear down this still proud icon of America. For those who plan to visit the memorial in Pearl Harbor, this book should be read before you arrive as it will make your time at the museum’s underwater model of the Arizona for more meaningful than the cursory walk around most visitors dedicate to this amazing display. Well written and organized, O’Connor’s In Repose is a quick read that I expect will educate even the most well-read Arizona enthusiast.”

“At first, I was surprised that no photographs were part of the book, but once engrossed in your narrative, I had a clear vision of what you were seeing at the time. I also used several reference books I have to correlate what you were describing, and plotting your trips around and over the Arizona. I can’t imagine the “honor” of being able to do that!”

“I just want you to know that I very much enjoyed reading IN REPOSE.  I just wish I had read your book before touring Arizona!  I am keeping the book of course, but sharing with others.  Thank you!”

“Excellent book, – my wife bought it for me and I’m halfway through. The language is just right, as a Navy veteran I understand exactly what the author is discussing. We visit the memorial just about every year, and have taken all of young people in our family. I’ll share the book with them of course. Nice job!”

“In Repose” offers a fascinating new perspective to the story of USS Arizona and is a very fitting title for what the great ship has become. The ship became a tragic icon and rallying cry for America’s official entry into World War Two and the subject of study and debate for historians ever since her loss. Brian O’Connor offers a new perspective to the volumes of documents, books, and movies by telling the story of the ship in its underwater state and as a sacred site of remembrance. He offers a view afforded very few people by virtue of his description of the underwater study and maintenance of the ship. Based upon my own study of the attack and ARIZONA in particular, “In Repose” accurately depicts the loss, subsequent salvage work and construction of the Memorial spanning the wreck. It has sufficient detail to answer many questions about not only the condition of the wreck from a historian’s point of view but also offers insight to an emotional aspect often lost in the “stats and facts” of historical (especially military) study. It does not get lost in technicalities and become a dry, “sterile” fact sheet nor does it go on a tangent of superfluous sentiment. Well-thought-out and easily followed, “In Repose” is an “easy read” and very enjoyable from the start. I found it very difficult to put down.”

“What an incredible “dream come true” story for the author to not only get to experience diving on the USS ARIZONA, but that he found the words to share his story with the rest of us. An excellent read that will pull you in whether you are a history buff or not. The technical explanations of the sinking of the ship are fascinating in their complexity and the author’s ability to detail them clearly. Brian’s passion for the subject is apparent and any time you can read something that the author is so invested in, makes it a worthy read.”

“Awesome book by a former Navy Diver. I had the honor and privilege of also diving the USS Arizona years ago when I was in the Naval Reserves. Awesome and proud experience that nobody can take away from me. To dive the USS Arizona, you have to be a military diver and invited. Again, great book well worth reading.”

“Easy reading, and as a fellow diver I enjoyed the details, like I was there.”

“If you’ve ever been to the Arizona Memorial or to the islands, you will enjoy this read. Very well written and very interesting. Brings back lots of memories.”

“I read the first few pages and I am hooked. It is the next book on my list to read this winter. Brian has a way of captivating his audience. Thank you very much.”

“Very interesting historical reading about diving, documenting and American history. Enjoyed very much.”

“If you have an interest in Pearl Harbor, or the USS Arizona in particular, this book is a must read.”