97K views · 1.6K reactions | The USS Oriskany Was Purposefully Sunk In the Gulf of Mexico to Form An Artificial Reef | War History Online | Facebook

#OTD in 2006, USS Oriskany (CV-34) was sunk off the coast of Florida to create an artificial reef. Navy engineers estimated that it would take 5 hours for the carrier to sink after the charges were detonated, but the ship slipped beneath the waves after only 35 minutes. | U.S. Naval Institute

The USS Oriskany was intentionally sunk on May 17, 2006, to become the world's largest artificial reef, located 24 miles southeast of Pensacola, Florida. Decommissioned and prepared at a cost of over $20 million, the aircraft carrier was sunk in 37 minutes using explosives to create a new marine habitat. Today, the "Mighty O," also known as the "Great Carrier Reef," is a popular dive site that teems with marine life. Purpose: The U.S. Navy sank the Oriskany to create a large artificial reef, as