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Dive Pros Pensacola, FL
Divers silhouetted in a wreck opening, blue water beyond

USS Oriskany

Charter introductions

On May 17, 2006 the 911′ Essex-class carrier was sunk about 26.5 miles southeast of Pensacola Pass. She sits in 212′ of water. The top of the island is around 84′. She's about 150′ tall and 146′ wide. Nickname: the Mighty O. This is not a beginner dive. Be honest with yourself and with the crew. Currents can be serious. It isn't worth hurting yourself to see her.

911′

Essex-class carrier

84′

Top of the island

212′

Sand

USS Oriskany afloat on open water, rusted flight deck and island intactAerial of USS Oriskany sitting low in calm blue water before scuttlingHigh-angle aerial of the Essex-class carrier on the GulfCharges detonating along USS Oriskany as smoke rises from the islandUSS Oriskany listing to starboard with the stern beginning to sinkUSS Oriskany sinking at a steep angle with foam and smoke at the waterlineAerial of the carrier going under in a ring of white foamThe surface after USS Oriskany sank, white foam on deep blue water

May 17, 200601 / 08

On station. 26.5 NM southeast of Pensacola Pass.

  1. Aerial of USS Oriskany on the day she was sunk as a reef

    01

    The wreck

    Commissioned September 25, 1950; recommissioned March 7, 1959; decommissioned September 30, 1975. Two battle stars in Korea, five in Vietnam. Dedicated as a memorial reef for the thousands who served her 25 years. Habitat from blennies and angelfish to snapper, grouper, and massive amberjack. Whale sharks and manta rays have been seen on the tower.

  2. USS Oriskany going under, the drop that left her in 212 feet

    02

    Depths

    Approximate, and they move. A section of the island collapsed after Tropical Storm Ida in 2009, opening a roughly 50′ swim-through in the tower. Do not enter the interior.

    • Top of Oriskany: 84′ (26 m)
    • Primary flight bridge: 105′ (32 m)
    • Navigation bridge: 124′ (38 m)
    • Flag bridge: 134′ (41 m)
    • Flight deck: 146′ (45 m)
    • Hangar bay: 175′ (53 m)
    • Sand: 212′ (65 m)
  3. Experienced team on a wreck with a dive light

    03

    Who goes

    Without a divemaster guide: Advanced or Deep specialty, 20+ dives, two logged dives below 80′ in the past year. With a guide: Open Water or above, 20 logged dives, two dives in the past year or a refresher. Carry a visual and audible signaling device (SMB and whistle). Most charters provide those at no extra cost. Computers strongly recommended; some operators require them. Complete, well-maintained kit.

GPS: 30 02.555′N / 87 00.397′W. Dive Pros does not own or operate charter boats. Policies and prices are set by the operators. A divemaster is aboard to serve as a guide if wanted or required. Operators here do not mix recreational divers with technical divers on the same trip.

Ready when you are.

Charter introductions