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Dive the OriskanyUSS Oriskany (CV/CVA-34) — nicknamed Mighty O, The O-boat, and Toasted O — was one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers completed during or shortly after World War II for the United States Navy. The ship was the third US Navy ship to bear the name, and was named for the Revolutionary War Battle of Oriskany. 
The history of Oriskany differs considerably from that of her sisters. Originally designed as a “long-hulled” Essex-class ship (considered by some authorities to be a separate class, the Ticonderoga class) her construction was suspended in 1947. She was eventually commissioned in 1950 after conversion to a updated design called SCB-27, which became the template for modernization of 14 other Essex-class ships. 
She operated in primarily in the Pacific into the 1970s, earning two battle stars for service in the Korean War, and five for service in the Vietnam War. In 1966, one of the worst shipboard fires since World War II broke out on Oriskany when a magnesium flare was accidentally ignited. Forty-four men died in the fire. The Oriskany’s history was recalled during last year’s presidential election, as she was the last piece of the USA that John McCain saw before ending up as a “guest” of the Vietnamese for seven years. 
Oriskany’s post-service history also differs considerably from that of her sister ships. Decommissioned in 1976, she was sold for scrap in 1995, but repossessed due to lack of progress in 1997. In 2004 it was decided to sink her as an artificial reef off the coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. 
After much environmental review and remediation to remove toxic substances, she was carefully sunk in May 2006, settling in an upright position at a depth accessible to recreational divers. In 2008, Hurricane Gustaav gave her a slight list and caused her to setting eight to ten feet deeper in the sand. Given the size of Oriskany, depths can vary greatly depending on where you go. Most the wreck’s superstructure (i.e., “tower”) is at 130 feet or less, making it suitable for recreational dives with advanced training and prior deep diving experience. 
Innovative Scuba makes these logbook-size, plastic map cards of the Oriskany. ItineraryGulf Shores is roughly three hours from New Orleans (see map below). For this reason, and because of the need to meet at Down Under Dive Shop no later than 7:00 am, you will want to drive to Gulf Shores the night before and check into a local motel. Motels our dives frequently use include: You can also enter Motels into the Search nearby dialog box in the Google™ map below for a complete listing of area accommodations. After meeting at the dive shop at 7:00, you will board the boat and depart no later than 8:00. Trip time will vary depending on conditions. To sign up, stop by or call Harry’s Dive Shop.
Don’t Leave Home Without DAN
DAN Accident Insurance and DAN Travel Insurance: They’re the two things no intelligent diver would ever dream of traveling without. The good news is, if you don’t have these two pieces of valuable protection, you can sign up right now, on line.
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E-Mail | Directions | Weather Harry’s Dive Shop(504) 888-4882
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