USS Oriskany Dive Wreck

The USS Oriskany, a decommissioned Essex-class aircraft carrier, was sunk 38 km south of Pensacola in May 2006 to create an artificial reef. The "Great Carrier Reef" sits upright in about 65 metres of water (210 feet), with the flight deck accessible to advanced recreational divers at around 37 metres. Technical divers can explore deeper sections. The wreck is encrusted with marine life after nearly 20 years underwater and attracts significant fish populations.

Several Pensacola-based dive operators run day trips to the Oriskany. The dive requires advanced certification at minimum; the deeper sections are technical territory. Visibility in the Gulf of Mexico varies by season but is often excellent. The wreck sits alongside older wrecks from World War II — Pensacola Bay and the surrounding waters are one of Florida's major diving destinations.

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A story
The USS Oriskany was the largest vessel ever deliberately sunk as an artificial reef when it went down in 2006 — 888 feet of flight deck, catapults, and island structure settling onto the Gulf floor in 212 feet of water. The ship spent 25 years serving with the US Navy, including combat deployments in Korea and Vietnam, before being decommissioned. Before sinking it, the Navy spent two years removing hazardous materials. The ship now provides habitat for fish and a destination for recreational and technical divers from Pensacola.