Oriskany, USA

It operated primarily in the Pacific in the 1970s, earning two battle stars for service in the Korean War and five for service in Vietnam.

General Information

The history of the Oriskany differs considerably from that of her sister ships. Originally designed as an Essex-class “long-hull” aircraft carrier (considered by some authorities to be a separate class, the Ticonderoga class) her construction was suspended in 1947. She was finally assigned in 1950 after conversion to an updated design called SCB- 27, which became the model for the modernization of 14 other Essex-class aircraft carriers. The Oriskany was the last completed class ship.

In 1966, one of the worst shipboard fires since World War II broke out on the Oriskany when a magnesium flare accidentally ignited, forty-four men died in the blaze.

The post-service history of the Oriskany also differs considerably from that of its twins. It was decommissioned in 1976 and sold for scrapping in 1995, but was repossessed in 1997 due to lack of progress in scrapping. In 2004 it was decided to sink it as an artificial reef off the coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. After a thorough environmental review and remediation to remove the toxic substances, it was carefully sunk in May 2006, settling upright at a depth accessible for recreational and technical diving. As of 2006 the Oriskany is the largest ship ever sunk to make a reef. This aircraft carrier was used in the movie «The Bridges at Toko-Ri».

Includes:

• 6 days – 5 nights.
• 4 days of Diving.
• Double occupancy acomodation.
• Diving Boat.
• Tanks, Air and Nitrox.
• Transportation in Pensacola.

Does not include:

• Flights
• Diving gear & equipment.
• Helium
• Off board meals.
• Alcoholic Drinks
• Tips
• The unspecified.

What you need to know:

Dive Level: Technical and CCR, Experience Level: High and physical condition

Don’t forget:

Bring diving certificate. Mandatory DAN diving insurance. Full diving equipment