Oriskany ("O" Boat) update

[madeline]

yes hope to dive the next day, any of our Panama City divers know who to get in touch with????to set up a boat????

 

[CBulla]

This ought to be an interesting wreck to. The Oriskany is to be sunk in 200' of water however the vessel measures 911 feet long and 159 feet tall at its highest point. People will have to be very careful how they dive around that wreck to stay within their limits... If people think the Spiegal Grove is awe inspiring, wait till they lay eyes on this!

 

[gem1]

My dad was posted on the Oriskany during the Korean War. He had a photographic manual (sort of like your high school or college yearbook) which I grew up with while fantasizing about the life on such a ship. It really was a small town on a boat. I know I will be sad to see it go. May have to plan a dive and take photos for him. Although it might seem like gallows photos to him and others that loved her.

 

[gfisher4792]

Is anyone planning to take pics or video? It would be cool if someone could post some for us not lucky enough to be there!

 

[MikeJacobs]

I'd think he'd love the idea that his ship was going to become such an important amenity to the area, home to all kinds of reef-creatures and remembered by thousands of divers every year. If you find out where his favorite top-side hangout was he may even appreciate the photo!

SNIP...May have to plan a dive and take photos for him. Although it might seem like gallows photos to him and others that loved her.

 

[archman]

I would be VERY wary about making solid plans for the sinking dates, as they have an annoying tendency to be postponed and/or screwed up. Maybe if you just happened to be in the Pensacola area, with alternate things to do while you're there... that would be a wise strategy.

 

[madeline]

good point, guess we need to keep verrry close contact with someone down there that can keep us apraised of the situation, good thing that it is only an eight hour trip. cannot beleave that the navy would not give at least 24 hour notice when they will be blowing the hull. My husband was on that in 72, would really like to see the boat go down, anyway, there is water to dive in so ???? :dazzler1:

 

[scubafool]

It has been a while since I read aparticular writeup on the Oriskany, so please forgive & feel free to correct me if my feeble memory spews forth misinformation.

Anyway, I think that on one occasion a fire on board the ship claimed quite a few lives. Also, pilots launching off of the Oriskany flew over Vietnam & some were undoubtedly shot down.

I just think that we would do well to take a brief moment during every dive we do on the Oriskany to remember those who used to live on this ship & sacrificed their lives for the rest of us.

 

[FredT]

Some of Her record.

http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-o/cv34.htm

 

[scubafool]

Many thanks for the link, sir.