Navy Sinks Carrier to Create Reef
Why this is here: The USS Oriskany earned ten battle stars for its service during the Vietnam War, recognizing its significant contribution to military operations.
Twenty years ago, the US Navy deliberately sank the USS Oriskany in the Gulf of Mexico to establish the world’s largest artificial reef from a single vessel. The aircraft carrier, commissioned after World War II, had served for 25 years and earned 12 battle stars. After decommissioning, several attempts to sell or scrap the ship failed.
Following an environmental review lasting two years, the Navy used 500 pounds of C-4 explosives to send the Oriskany to the seafloor near Pensacola, Florida. Today, it ranks among the top ten wreck diving sites worldwide, attracting divers to explore its submerged structure.
The ship’s condition deteriorated after the Cold War, making recommissioning impractical. While the wreck provides a habitat for marine life, its long-term effects on the local ecosystem require continued monitoring. The Oriskany remains a popular destination for underwater exploration.
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