USS Vandenberg Sunk Using Explosives to Form Artificial Reef Off Key West

[Chris_]

USS Vandenberg Sunk Using Explosives to Form Artificial Reef Off Key West



KEY WEST, Fla. —  A ship last used by the U.S. Air Force to track missiles and spacecraft became the world's second-largest intentionally sunk artificial reef Wednesday.

Using explosives attached to the hull, crews sank the decommissioned Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg about seven miles off Key West, Fla.

The scheduled 10 a.m. blast to force the hulking vessel to the ocean floor was delayed by about 20 minutes because of sealife in the vicinity — specifically, sea turtles.

*snip*

The idea is to not only to attract tourists, but to help protect the Keys' natural reefs, already suffering from excessive diving, snorkeling and fishing along with warming ocean temperatures.

So sinking a ship can stop globalwarming?  Who knew?   

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[MarshallLaw]

So sinking a ship can stop globalwarming?  Who knew?   

Of course, that's why Truk Lagoon is so bloody cold.

[ironhorsedriver]

I'm kinda suprised they didn't cut more of her upperworks down. I remember there was a time they just about cut ships down to flushdeckers just for targets. Afraid of divers and nets getting caught up. I guess that doesn't matter in a park.