USS Oriskany (a.k.a. "The Mighty O")

The USS Oriskany, affectionately referred to as "The Mighty O", was a U.S. Navy Essex-class aircraft carrier named for the Revolutionary War Battle of the same name.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1-2tyoZOtE

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Originally rushed to construction as part of the war effort, the USS Oriskany (CV/CVA-34) was designed as an Essex-class aircraft carrier. When World War II ended, construction was slowed, and then suspended in 1947 for redesign. Design modifications included adjustments to the hull for stability, and adjustments to the flight deck and elevators so that they could handle heavier aircraft. The redesigned Oriskany was finally commissioned on September 25, 1950. In 1951, the Oriskany was once again redesigned, and fitted with a new, wider, flight deck to accommodate a higher volume of take-offs and landings. In 1956, the Oriskany underwent additional deck redesigns, and was refitted with steam-powered catapults, which were used to launch departing aircraft from the flight deck.

The USS Oriskany earned two battle stars during the Korean War, and another five during the Vietnam War. During the Vietnam War, the Oriskany launched more sorties and flew more missions than any other US Navy Carrier.

The USS Oriskany was sunk approximately 24 miles South East of Pensacola, Florida as an artificial reef in May of 2006. She now rests upright in 215ft of water. At 911 feet long, Might O is the largest artificial reef in the world, and heralds as 1 of the top 10 wrecks in the world to dive. The below link is a video of the sinking of the Oriskany:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk2iFskb124

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This is Gold Coast's first trip to the Oriskany and it will surely book up fast. This is a great opportunity that does not come along every day. We are booking a dive boat in Pensacola for this adventure.

Because the Oriskany is very deep, there are specific requirements to dive this wreck:

1. At least Advanced Open Water certification

2. At least 20 logged dives

3. At least 4 dives deeper than 80 feet

4. Each diver must have own computer and safety sausage (no sharing)

5. Nitrox highly recommended

The tower (pictured above) of the Mighty O ranges in depth from 80-134 feet. The flight deck is 146 feet deep. This is a great dive for technical divers, but this trip is open primarily to recreational divers (if anyone wants to do a technical dive on this wreck, talk to Randy first). During our surface interval between dives, the charter operation will provide lunch and snacks. Plan for a long day at sea, as the boat does not return to dock until 3 p.m.

The boat ticket for this awesome trip is only $150.00 + tax. Rental tank prices and availability will be posted soon. Cancellation policy: 72 hours notice, otherwise non-refundable.

For those wishing to combine dive training with this trip, this will be a great opportunity for the Deep or Wreck Diver Specialty course. Call Steve for prices.

We have made arrangements with Suburban Extended Stay for our group and have secured a diver discount room rate of only $64.99 a night (plus tax). To make your room reservation you must call Steve at the shop and reserve your room through him.

If enough divers would like to dive the Oriskany two days instead of one, we will book the boat for Saturday AND Sunday.

Hurry and reserve your spot today.

DIRECTIONS: Take Interstate I10 to Pensacola, take exit 1-C to downtown Pensacola. Continue to the third traffic light which is Palafox St. Turn Left. We are 8 blocks on the right hand side - 711 south Palafox St.. We are a green building on the right side of the street. Look for our sign on the sidewalk.

Be safe and have fun !!!