Oriskany marks one year underwater today
Flybys, skydivers are part of events

On Thursday, May 17, Pensacola will celebrate the first anniversary of the deployment if the USS Oriskany as the world's largest artificial reef.

On May 17, 2006 the "Mighty O" as she is affectionately known, was placed on clean white sand on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico in 212 feet of water 24 miles southeast of Pensacola.

In honor of the USS Oriskany and the thousands of men that served as her crew, MBT Divers, in cooperation with The Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, Kooter Browns West end, the USS Oriskany Reunion Association, and the Pensacola area Naval Commands will conduct a memorial ceremony at the site of the USS Oriskany.

Highlights of planned events include:

Skydivers delivering the American Flag to the site

Placement of a ceremonial ships bell on the Bridge of the USS Oriskany by divers

Placement of veterans memorial items on the ship.

Aircraft "flybys"

Reception and Happy Hour honoring veterans and former crew members at Kooter Brown's West End in Pensacola.

MBT Divers will be donating items used in the ceremony to interested organizations, including the Naval Aviation Schools Command, and the USS Oriskany Museum.

Anyone, individual or organization wishing to take part in any way is encouraged to contact Jim Phillips or Fritz Sharar, MBT Divers at: (850) 455- 7702.