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

#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

NEW aboard the USS Midway Museum!🚤 Take the helm and set sail with “Middie’s Fleet,” our newest activity right on the flight deck! Fun for kids and adults! Step up to your own helm station, choose a Navy-inspired remote-controlled boat and explore the waters of Midway Atoll. 🌊 Navigate like a true captain through island tunnels and nautical details (coming soon)! Join the fun during @gomuseums’ Kids Free San Diego Month this October! #kidsfree #ussmidwaymuseum #ussmidway #middiesfleet #middie

Happy Wednesday morning from Midway☀️⚓️ #ussmidwaymuseum #ussmidway #aircraftcarrier #sandiegomuseum #corsair #a7corsair #navyjet #jet | USS Midway Museum

Alfred Payne (101) was the guest of honor for the ribbon cutting of the new USS Hornet CV-8 exhibit being put together! Alfred is the last surviving sailor from CV-8 when she was sunk at the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands in October of 1942. Our museum ship, USS Hornet CV-12, is named in her honor. Stay tuned for the date of the official grand opening! 🎉🎉 | USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum