May 8, 2006

Oriskany arrives at Pensacola March 22 for final preparations for reefing. (FWC photo by Bill Horn)

When the ex-USS Oriskany is sent to the bottom of the gulf next week off Pensacola as an artificial reef, there’s little question the carrier will provide a much-needed shot in the arm for tourism in Escambia and surrounding counties.

In fact, the shot in the arm is apparently well under way.

Former Oriskany crew, causal observers and curiosity seekers reportedly have plunked down anywhere from $150 to $1,000 to see the 888-foot, Korean- and Viet Nam–era carrier turn into an underwater fishing and diving attraction, 22 nautical miles southeast of Pensacola.

It’s scheduled to be sunk May 17, assuming the weather cooperates and all goes well. Following the sinking, the Navy will turn over the title of the vessel to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and it will rest in a designated artificial reef site in 212 feet of water.

The Ticonderoga-class attack aircraft carrier was commissioned in 1950, supporting a crew of 3,460 and 80 aircraft. The ship earned seven battle stars during its wartime service. The Navy retired the Oriskany in 1975.

Eilene Beard, co-owner of the Scuba Shack in downtown Pensacola, said on Friday she didn’t think any spots remained on commercial boats in Pensacola or surrounding counties that are offering to take people to watch the sinking. She said her vessel’s 36 spots have been booked for a while for the anticipated eight-hour trip.

Beard said she began about two years ago, taking and referring names of people who want to see the vessel go down, at one time amassing 986 names on the list.

“At one point I had 200 Oriskany veterans in one group. I feel bad, because there are a lot of people with ties to the ship that probably aren’t going to get out there. There just are not enough spots on boats,” she said.

Ed Schroeder, vice president for tourism and development for the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, said only time will tell how much, but the carrier’s presence that close to Pensacola will definitely have an impact on tourism.

“Our charter boat industry is fairly small, but having the carrier as a diving and fishing location will inflate that industry,” he said. “The demand will lead to everything from more charter boats, to more money spent on diving equipment, to better marinas, food, travel, lodging and on and on.

“This is going to be a real boost for our area. There’s no question about it.”

From January through December 2004, contractors removed environmental hazards from the ship to prepare it for sinking, and the FWC and Escambia County officials will continue monitoring the vessel as it develops into habitat for marine fish and invertebrates.

More information about the ex-USS Oriskany and photos are available at the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce Web site www.oriskanymemorial.com.