USNS Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg
On May 27, 2009 at 10:21 AM Vandenberg was sunk to become the largest artificial reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and the second largest in the world. The ship settled upright on her keel in 1 minute 44 seconds, exactly as predicted by the many model tests performed to design the sink plan. Marine life began colonizing immediately and the ship is now home to pelagic and reef fish, and many other species of marine plants and animals.
Artificial Reefs of the Keys
ARK was incorporated as a 501c(3) in 1999 with a mission to Sink The Vandenberg as an artificial reef in Key West waters. We had no idea it would take more than 10 years to accomplish! Perseverance pays, and with the help of dedicated volunteers and sponsors we created what may be the most exciting wreck dive in the world.
ARK is ready to move to the future with a new mission of promtiing and supporting artificial reefs in the Florida Keys. We will maintain this website with information about the Vandenberg and other artificial reefs. We will continue to preserve the history of the Vandenberg, and will keep up with the latest information about the development of the reef. We will keep you informed about news items and relevant new products and hope to promote future events.
