USS Oriskany

• The USS Oriskany was the only US Navy aircraft carrier intentionally sunk as an artificial reef. • During the Vietnam War, the Oriskany served multiple tours and earned two battle stars for its service. • The ship was named after the Battle of Oriskany, which was fought during the American Revolutionary War. • The Oriskany was featured in the 1963 film "4 for Texas" starring Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. • The ship's flight deck was over 900 feet long, making it one of the largest aircraft carriers of its time. • During its time in service, the Oriskany was involved in various operations around the world, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Lebanon Crisis. • The ship was decommissioned in 1976 and remained in storage until it was sunk in 2006 off the coast of Florida. • The Oriskany's sinking was the largest artificial reef project in the world at the time, creating a new habitat for marine life. • Scuba divers now visit the wreck of the Oriskany to explore its underwater remains and witness the marine life that has taken residence there. • The USS Oriskany holds a special place in naval history as a symbol of both wartime service and environmental conservation.