Diver Dennis
Contributor
Thank you very much for contacting me regarding the removal of items from Ex-Oriskany. As the Project Manager for the County, I am responsible for the Oriskany and our other artificial reefs. Oriskany was reefed as a combined effort of Escambia County Marine Resources Division, Florida Fish and Wildlife, and Navy's Inactive Ships Program Office.
It is unlawful to remove any part of Oriskany, and these activities could jeopardize the entire "Ships to Reefs" program if it appears that stakeholders cannot be trusted to comply with the Navy's regulations. I foresee Oriskany veterans complaining that "robbers" are removing parts of their old ship (I hope we don't see anything offered on EBay!!).
The quotes go both ways, this is more definitive.