Sinking of the Vandenberg off Key West
Posted in diving locations by admin on March 28th, 2008 If you are going to be in the Key West area, or want to take a trip, the Vandenberg is scheduled to be sunk off the coast on May 15th to create an artificial reef.
I am in no way an expert on the military or this ship, but I have found some information on the history of this ship.
The USS Vandenberg is over 520 feet long and weights approximately 13,000 tons. Originally commissioned by the US Navy under the name USS/USNS General Harry Taylor, the ship was used in 1944 to transport troops in WWII.
The US Air Force converted the General Harry Taylor to a Missile Range Instrumentation ship and renamed it the USAFS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg in 1963.
In 1983, the ship was sent to Maritime Administration MARAD Reserve Fleet, James River, VA.
In 1996, Universal Studios leased it to film the movie “Virus”
Plans are being made in Key West to host a “Sink Week” celebration along with the sinking of this ship.
Read more about Key West’s “Sink Week” at http://www.keywest.com/vandenberg.htm
blue norway said,
April 1, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
http://maps.live.com/?v=2&cid=D1909022EAEAB699!257
CURRENT (only) Vandenberg repair pics, its in other locations in different views.
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April 9, 2008 @ 9:36 pm
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BlueNorway.Org said,
April 10, 2008 @ 10:31 am
Full data on the current federal court case retarding the USNS Vandenberg and its seizure by the courts is available at http://BlueNorway.Org
Steve Nash said,
April 16, 2008 @ 5:37 pm
Hi,
an interesting item and one that starts the dicussion on artificil reefs - are they a good thing or a bad thing.
What impact do they have on the local environment and what beneft are they to the diving community and the local marine life.
We have one in the UK called HMS Scylla, off the coast of Plymouth.
It has proved to be a huge source of extra income for the local area as more and more divers come to dive it.
But has it proved to be an improvement to the local marine environment?
Artificial reefs are becoming more common around the world - is this good or bad?
Terence-Scuba Florida said,
June 7, 2008 @ 10:59 am
Planning to be there when this happens. With so much strain on the natural reef system I believe that any artificial reef created can only help the overall eco-structure of the reefs around Florida and present yet another interesting dive for the future.
jacque said,
July 7, 2008 @ 10:55 pm
Our local divers just worked to get our bay designated as an underwater preserve. Their are some ships here already serving as artificial reefs, but they are working on some intentional sinking. I know in the North East they are using old subway cars for artificial reefs. I think that it is great. It attracts divers to the area, and for the most part, these people are concerned with protecting the environment.
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Michael said,
August 25, 2008 @ 10:28 am
Informative. Wanna read more about it. How much time did you write a post?