Wreck Dive

SCUBA DIVE THE VANDENBERG!

Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg is an artificial reef in 140 feet of water seven miles off Key West. The Vandenberg measures 10 stories high in the water column, the keel the deepest, at 140 feet. It is at the top of the structure that most of the ship's interesting attributes are located, some purposely cut from one part of the ship and welded elsewhere to make attention-getting dive spots from bow to stern, all trimmed to reach within 40 to 50 feet of the surface. Guides are available at an additional cost for anyone wishing to book one. If you are OW you will be required to dive with a guide.

Fun facts about the ship!

Length: 522" 10"
Beam: 71'6"
Height: 100 feet from keel to highest point.

The ship was built in 1943 by Kaiser Shipyard in California. Originally named the USS Gen Harry Taylor, she was commissioned as a troop transporter, carrying personal during the last years of WWII. She was the first ship to return to New York Harbor after the surrender of Japan and stayed in service until 1958 when she was decommissioned. In 1961 the ship was acquired by the Air Force and
re-commissioned as USAF's Gen Hoyt Vandenberg as a missile tracking ship. In 1983 she was re-acquired by the Navy and continued to serve as a missile tracking ship until she was retired in 1983.