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The Mighty Oriskany

Visitors to Pensacola will gain a unique diving and fishing location this May when the retired aircraft carrier Oriskany will be reefed at an existing artificial reef site in the Gulf of Mexico. At 888 feet in length, the “Mighty Oriskany” will be the largest vessel purposely sunk as a reef and has the potential to become the largest artificial reef in the world. This exceptional site will give divers the chance to swim with Goliath grouper, ocean sunfish and eagle rays. In addition, anglers will have the opportunity to catch popular game fish such as Warsaw grouper, snapper and amberjack.

The reefing commenced with controlled charges in 212 feet of water, 22.5 miles southeast of Pensacola in late May 2006. A memorial service was held prior to the event at the National Museum of Naval Aviation, to recognize the vessel that served as a combat aircraft carrier in the Korean and Vietnam wars. The service honored the crew and ship that have provided exemplary service to our Navy and country.
USS Oriskany CV-34 was built in the Brooklyn Naval Shipyard in 1945. The Oriskany was then commissioned to Guantanamo Bay on Sept. 25, 1950 during the Korean conflict. In April 2004, the U.S. Navy chose Escambia County as the resting place for USS Oriskany. The Oriskany’s former crew members include Sen. John McCain, who was taken prisoner in North Vietnam after leaving the ship in 1967.
Ship wreck diving is a unique recreation that is gaining in popularity and attention. Northwest Florida offers exciting diving opportunities with many historical wreck sites and artificial reefs. Serving as a premier diving site, north Florida holds a variety of marine life, as well as dozens of natural reefs. With a large area of open water and relatively little commercial fishing, this area is a great location for big game fish, as well as manta rays and the Florida spiny lobster. The slightly cooler water provides greater visibility and a less crowded diving haven.

For beginning divers, scuba diving lessons are offered from scuba instructors at the various Pensacola dive shops or scuba schools. Divers who have open water scuba certification can dive without an instructor present. Arrangements can also be made through dive shops and charters to swim with a certified instructor. Some of Pensacola’s dive instruction locations include Watersport Specialties, MBT Divers, which offers SCUBA training and certification, and Reel Eazy charters, which offers diving and deep sea fishing charters.

In addition to the USS Oriskany, Pensacola is home to numerous historic ships, including the 500-foot World War I battleship, USS Massachusetts, the Russian freighter San Pablo, a Navy barge and a part of the carrier USS Lexington. Divers can also find Vietnam-era tanks and various other naval ships to explore.
Already called the best place to explore historic wrecks, Northwest Florida’s newest addition, the USS Oriskany, will bring a premier diving and fishing attraction that shouldn’t be missed. Visitors can come see the largest vessel to be purposely sunk turn into the largest artificial reef and wreck diving site. This new attraction will provide a memorable experience for veteran and new divers alike.  www.visitpensacola.com

For information on travel to Florida or to order a copy of VISIT FLORIDA's free Vacation Guide visit VISIT FLORIDA's consumer web site, www.VISITFLORIDA.com, or call VISIT FLORIDA's toll-free consumer number at 1-888-7-FLAUSA (352872)




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