Historic Naval Ship to Sink
A former naval ship which began its career 64 years ago is scheduled to perform a final mission, which might last more than 75 years. The Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg has changed its name, served three different military services, been featured in a major motion picture and will perform its final mission as an artificial reef when it is sunk off the coast of Key West, Fla. The 533-foot ship formerly known as the troop transport USS General Harry S. Taylor will serve an environmental mission to help relieve recreational pressure from the natural reef in the Florida Keys as part of the Vandenberg Artificial Reef Project. Vandenberg is being cleaned for the protection of marine life before its scheduled sinking in May 2008.
Ghost Fleet Ship to Become Artificial Reef
It has been a troop carrier, a missile-tracking ship, and a starred in a Hollywood movie. Now the General Hoyt S. Vandenberg will become an artificial reef off Key West, Fla. Maritime Administrator Sean T. Connaughton approved the transfer of the Vandenberg to the state of Florida, which plans to turn the 63-year old vessel into an artificial reef later this year. “Reefing is an excellent way to dispose of our obsolete ships,” said Connaughton. "It is good for the economy, good for the environment, and a great deal for U.S. The approval clears the way for the ship to be cleaned and sunk for a reef. The Vandenberg will join other ships of the Maritime Administration’s National Defense Reserve Fleet being used in the Maritime Administration's Artificial Reefing Program: the Texas Clipper I…
