Project organizers overseeing the conversion of a retired U.S. AirForce missile tracking ship into an artificial reef off Key West, haveannounced Friday that the vessel is officially sitting in 140 feet of water seven miles off Key West, and sitting upright. Fox news has some coverage of the sinking on their website.
Blue Iguana Charters and other dive operators are already offering shipwreck diving to the vessel from today.
The Vandenberg reef project will provide additional marine habitat andrelieve recreational pressure off America’s only contiguous coralbarrier reef. It should also provide a unique attraction for visitorsas well as a venue for environmental educators and students.
The Vandenberg was originally commissioned in 1944 as Gen. HarryTaylor to serve as a World War II Army troop transport ship. In 1963the ship was re-commissioned under its current name and served in theAtlantic Missile Range becoming one of the most technologicallyadvanced platforms in the world during that era.
