The Mighty Oriskany

The Oriskany U.S.S. Oriskany CV/CVA 34 1945-1976        

The retired aircraft carrier Oriskany departed from Beaumont, Texas on March 16, 2006 (on a 3-4 day tow, weather permitting) heading for Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, where the Navy's contractor will accomplish the final reef preparations.  The vessel will be reefed in May 2006 at an existing artificial reef site selected by the State of Florida, approximately 24 miles off the coast of Pensacola.  

The reefing will be accomplished with controlled charges in 212 feet of water 22.5 miles southeast of Pensacola. The final date of the event will be established after the Environmental Protection Agency issues a permit for the reefing.   Prior to the event, a memorial service will be conducted at the National Museum of Naval Aviation to pay tribute to the crew and the ship that has provided exemplary service to our Navy and country.

The carrier, built at the New York Naval Shipyard in 1945 and a combat veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars would not only be the largest vessel purposely sunk as a reef, but become the largest artificial reef in the world!

At 888 feet in length, the"Mighty O” will become a fishing hot spot and an exceptional destination for divers year-round. Divers will have the opportunity to swim with Goliath grouper, ocean sunfish and eagle rays. Anglers will be able to reel in popular game fish such as grouper, snapper and amberjack.

The above information was taken from the Official Visit Pensacloa site, so for more great Pensacola Beach information and up to date information about local events, be sure to check out the Visit Pensacloa site.