Posted: 03/01/2006
Pensacola, Fla. (March 22, 2006) - Tugboats turn the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA 34) prior to mooring at Allegheny Pier onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. Known as the "Big O," the 32,000-ton, 888-foot Oriskany is being delivered to Pensacola, where it is being prepared for its final journey. Oriskany is schedule to be scuttled 22 miles south of Pensacola in approximately 212 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico May 17, 2006, where it will become the largest ship ever intentionally sunk as an artificial reef. After the Oriskany reaches the bottom, ownership of the vessel will transfer from the Navy to the State of Florida. U.S. Navy photo by Megan Kohr