In its day, the USS Oriskany was a warhorse. At 911 feet and more than 30,000 tons, she was the prototype for the new aircraft carriers when she was commissioned in 1950. She served in Korea and Vietnam. Today the Oriskany is still in service - as the world’s largest artificial reef.
Known as the “Mighty O” the carrier now resides more than 200 feet below the ocean about 24 miles southeast of Pensacola Pass. The water here is so clear you can normally see the flight deck - about 130 feet down - from the surface. But once you’re in the water, the real wonder begins. As an artificial reef, the ship attracts a vast array of marine life - and plenty of divers.
The ship’s “island,” or the highest part of its superstructure, rests at about 70 feet below the surface. That’s within range of a recreational dive, and offers the unforgettable view of the endless flight deck. The deck itself is at a depth considered a technical dive, which requires certification. As time goes on, anglers will love this area, too - grouper, snapper and amberjack are common reef fish.
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Things to know:
Region: Northwest Florida
Fun facts: A Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Panama City, FL detonated C-4 explosive charges of approximately 500 total pounds (230 kg) net explosive weight, strategically placed on 22 sea connection pipes in various machinery spaces. Thirty seven minutes after detonation, the ship sank stern first in 210 feet (64 m) of water in the Gulf of Mexico.
Highlights: The ship weighed 30,800 tons and was 904 feet in length.
Related activities: Visit MBT Dive and Surf in Pensacola to receive dive training and certification.
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