SHELTON M. VAUGHAN DIRECT DIAL: 713.402.3906 PERSONAL FAX: 713.583.9179 E-MAIL: SMVaughan@duanemorris.com     www.duanemorris.com     January 18, 2013     VIA EDGAR     Securities and Exchange Commission Division of Corporation Finance 100 F Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20549     Attn: Ms. Andri Boerman FIRM and AFFILIATE OFFICES   NEW YORK LONDON SINGAPORE PHILADELPHIA CHICAGO WASHINGTON, DC SAN FRANCISCO SAN DIEGO BOSTON HOUSTON LOS ANGELES HANOI HO CHI MINH CITY ATLANTA BALTIMORE WILMINGTON MIAMI PITTSBURGH NEWARK LAS VEGAS CHERRY HILL BOCA RATON LAKE TAHOE   MEXICO CITY ALLIANCE WITH MIRANDA & ESTAVILLO

Re: Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.

Dear Ms. Boerman:

Reference is made to the comments received by Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (the “Company”) from the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the Securities and Exchange Commission by the letter (the “Comment Letter”) dated January 8, 2013 concerning the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, filed on February 23, 2012 (File No. 001-13926). On behalf of the Company, this letter will confirm, consistent with our telephone conference today, that the Company anticipates responding to the Comment Letter by February 6, 2013. Going forward, please copy me (at the email address above) on any correspondence to the Company concerning this matter that is provided via email.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Shelton M. Vaughan

Shelton M. Vaughan

cc: William C. Long, Esq.

      Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

      Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.

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