SINKING OF THE USS ORISKANY

Veterans to Reunite for Ship Sinking
USS Oriskany will become a massive artificial reef off Pensacola Beach.

By MELISSA NELSON
The Associated Press


PENSACOLA -- Hundreds of Navy veterans who grew to love the famed aircraft carrier USS Oriskany will see their old ship off on her final voyage -- a trip to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, where she will become a massive artificial reef.

Many, like Boyd Tong of Phoenix, plan to rent boats and watch as the Oriskany is sunk 24 miles off Pensacola Beach on Wednesday morning.

"I expect it will be a little emotional," Tong said as a Navy band played "Anchors Aweigh" at Pensacola Naval Air Station tribute for the Oriskany on Saturday night. More than 500 veterans, spanning the Oriskany's nearly 30 years of service, attended the Navy's tribute to the "Mighty O."

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