Diving the USS Oriskany: A Legacy of Service and Adventure

Off the coast of Pensacola, Florida, lies the USS Oriskany, an impressive artificial reef and a dive site that serves as a fascinating tribute to the brave sailors who served aboard her. This former aircraft carrier, now a reef, offers a unique and memorable diving experience.

A Brief History of the USS Oriskany

The USS Oriskany served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 2006, during which time my grandfather served on board. The Oriskany was commissioned in 1959 and retired in 2006, serving a total of 47 years. Unfortunately, due to her deteriorating condition, the Navy decided to retire the ship and transform it into an artificial reef in 2006. The process of sinking the Oriskany as an artificial reef was carefully planned to ensure the preservation of the vessel's structure and availability for future generations to explore.

Planning and Preparation for Sinking

The Navy invested millions of dollars in preparing the Oriskany for its transformation into an artificial reef. The ship was carefully navigated to a location about 25 miles off the coast of Pensacola, Florida, in 213 feet of water. Extensive planning was carried out to ensure that the Oriskany could serve as a viable and safe wreck for recreational diving and marine life rehabilitation.

The Oriskany now sits upright on the ocean floor, making it an ideal diving site. Its smokestack stands at an impressive 84 feet deep, with the top of it above the recreational diving limit of 130 feet. This unique feature makes the entire island—and much of the ship—accessible to divers. The flight deck is located at 145 feet, while the hangar bay is at an even deeper 175 feet, offering divers a rich and varied exploration opportunity.

Managing of the Artificial Reef

Since its sinking in 2006, the Oriskany has become an artificial reef, attracting an array of marine life and providing a recreational diving destination. The creation of this artificial reef has sparked interest from divers and marine enthusiasts, offering a unique and educational dive experience.

The top of most of the island, including the flag and navigation bridges, chart plotting rooms, captains and admirals' at-sea cabins, and the Pri Fly, are above the recreational diving limit of 130 feet. This makes it a relatively safe and accessible dive site for many enthusiasts, allowing them to explore the ship's decks and structures without diving deeper.

Particular Dive Sites on the USS Oriskany

For those interested in exploring the USS Oriskany, there are several notable dive sites to consider:

Flight Deck and Hangar Bay: These areas are accessible to advanced divers and feature a unique blend of history and marine life. The flight deck at 145 feet and the hangar bay at 175 feet provide a fascinating experience for those comfortable diving to these depths. Flag Bridge and Navigation Bridge: These structural elements stand above the recreational diving limit, making them accessible to intermediate divers and offering a unique view of the ship's upper structure. Cabin Structures and Ramps: Various sections of the ship's decks and ramps are accessible, providing a glimpse into the living and working conditions of the sailors who served aboard the Oriskany.

Diving Safety and Considerations

When diving the USS Oriskany, it is crucial to adhere to safety guidelines and regulations. Divers should be certified for advanced diving and reef diving, as some areas are quite deep. The depth of some parts of the ship makes it unsuitable for beginners, and diving with a buddy is mandatory for safety reasons.

In addition to safety, divers should be aware of the environmental impact of their diving. The ship now serves as a thriving ecosystem for marine life, and it is crucial to respect this habitat by adhering to no-take and no-touch policies.

Resources and Information for Divers

For more detailed information on diving the USS Oriskany and to find diving chart and schedules, visit the official website of the artificial reef project. This site provides comprehensive information on the history of the Oriskany, diving logistics, and safety tips, ensuring a safe and educational diving experience.

Explore the USS Oriskany and pay tribute to the men and women who served on her. It's a fascinating dive site that offers a unique blend of history and marine life.