There are new reports that the famed 888-foot USS Oriskany Aircraft Carrier, the "Mighty O", may finally be scuttled off Pensacola before the start of the 2006 hurricane season.   The reports indicate that the massive ship, to be deployed 22 miles southeast of Pensacola, may be sunk by mid-May 2006.  The Oriskany was slated to be sunk as an artificial reef in mid-2005; however, legal issues surrounding the environmental impact of onboard PCBs delayed the sinking.

The Oriskany will be the first U.S. Aircraft Carrier purposely deployed as an artificial reef.  The only other aircraft carrier available for diving is in Bikini Atoll, in the southwest Pacific.  This will be a one-of-a-kind dive destination in the U.S.

The Oriskany will be towed from its current location in Beaumont, Texas, and sunk approximately 22.5 miles southeast of the Pensacola Pass.  She will be placed on a clean white sand bottom in 212 feet of water.  The top of the structure is planned to be at 50 feet, and the flight deck at approximately 110 feet.  Visibility in the area is commonly 60-100 feet.  The warm Gulf waters and light currents should make for spectacular diving conditions.

• Oriskany Pictures and GPS

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