Sinking of an Aircraft Carrier | Free Documentary 

10 facts&tidbits about the legendary USS Oriskany and its sinking off the Florida coast 10. The ship was named for the Battle of Oriskany during the American Revolutionary War August 6, 1777 (one of the bloodiest battles btw) 9. The carrier served in the Korea and Vietnam Wars. It was the aircraft carrier pilot John McCain took off from; to be shot down hours later over enemy territory, resulting in five years POW internment. It hasn’t been in use for over 30 years and 1989 was decommissioned from the US Navy registry 8. The US navy has an artificial reef program. No one has ever reefed an aircraft carrier. The Oriskany was to become the first. 7. Sink the unsinkable: it’s almost as much effort to sink the ship as it was to build it. 8 months. It took 8 months to prepare for sinking 6. Salvage crews stripped the ship of all hazardous material and anything reuseble. That was done in Corpus Christie, Texas. 5. There was a competition who would get the sink the ship off their coast. 4. Florida won. The ship was towed more than 500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico. 3. Even though this happened 14 years ago - in 2006 - the USS Oriskany is still the largest aircraft carrier to be sunk. And even today, a lot of fun to watch. 2. The Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal team detonated the Oriskany with approximately 500 lb (230 kg) of strategically placed explosives. The ship sank stern first 37 minutes after detonation in 210 ft (64 m) of water in the Gulf of Mexico. 1. The Oriskany is ranked as one of the top ten diving sites in the world. The New York Times made a web video “Diving the USS Oriskany” it’s cool. There are several such vids for diving fans. Check them out. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-shSw4X9Bl-g.html Available worldwide

I am proud to have served on the Big O as we used to call her. I was in the airwing CVW-19 with VA-153 flying A7-A and B's. 1971 thru 1974. One cannot understand the attachment you get to a ship like this until she is your home for three WestPacs which lasted 6 to 8 months each time. She is part of me and I part of her. Fair Winds and Following Seas Old Girl.

I was pleased to be the principal pilot who filmed all of the aerial photography of this amazing piece of history sinking.

The Mighty “O”. I was a crew member from 1969-12/70. Strange feeling to see her go down! I was Asst. Catapult Captain, in 1970. Cat crew for most of my time but did work in Arresting Gear for a portion of 1969. Two Westpac cruises including months off Vietnam. Thanks for resharing. .

Could you put more ads in please? I almost got 2 whole minutes of video before each 2-ad segment. Thanks 🙏

My father served on the USS Oriskany during the Korean War. He was on board when they filmed The Bridges of Toko Ri, starring William Holden and Mickey Rooney. I have 2 of the Oriskany yearbooks. Amazing pictures documenting the cruises and the introduction of the Grumman F9F Panthers.

Nobody: Fish: it's a free real estate.

And may she keep all the little fishy’s safe

I served aboard the “USS ZIPPO” as we lovingly called her. For 3 years and 2 months in the early ‘70’s, I lived and worked as a dental tech on this amazing vessel. I did 2 WestPac tours in Southeast Asia, and on the 1973 voyage, even saw the eastern coast of Africa! I often dream I’m back on board. Not a PTSD thing, just as a result of it being my home for 1,155 days. I even worked on the decommissioning her, our department responsible for compartments Bravo 214 Lima, frames 135 to 142.

My Dad passed away over 30 years ago but he was a crew member on THE maiden voyage of the USS Oriskany back in 1950. I really wish he could have lived to see this documentary! Every time I watch this, I always wonder what areas he probably walked and how many things he would recognize! It wasn't an easy cruise but he did have fond memories of the ship!

I'm a new scuba diver, and this was my first military wreck dive. It was absolutely astonishing down there! I can't wait to go dive again

As someone who served on a carrier, watching this was somehow really therapeutic for me. Thank you for this documentary. 🥰🙏💗

From an old sailor, it’s like watching an old friend die 😢😢

My Father joined the Oriskany in 1972 to 1975 ... NAS Alameda. Still have my pictures of her from then.

My father served aboard the big O from 53 to 54 as a machinist mate. I found this video on VHS tape shortly after this happened. I showed it to him and there were a lot of tears.he loved that ship. He was on board when they made the movie "Bridges of toko ri. Ive seen the photo of him sitting on the hanger deck in the front row, watching Micky Roony play the drums in there cruise book. Lots of memories. God bless all that served.

Saw her many times while I was stationed at NAS North Island in San Diego. Went on her once with a friend who was stationed on her. In 1963 the Oriskany, Midway,Ticonderoga, Kitty Hawk and Constellation were all out of San Diego. What a sight!

To see something meant for war being used to help the ocean is pretty dam cool. The amount of work and detail into doing this is amazing.

Wow as a retired US Naval aviator and a member on the USS America cv66 and the USS Carl Vinson CVN 70 it just brought back memories. Thank you for the video

What a grand old LADY ! May she rest in peace and continue to do well for us all as a place to have wee fishes to feed us and return to the good earth from where she was born from. Great story !

I can proudly say I served on the "O" Boat. It was sad when we heard she was to be sunk but it was easier when we learned how valuable she would be resting on the bottom.

Is really sad and honorable to see "HER" become a reef . But very emotional . I served on the Mighty "O" from 1967 to 1971 . Walk from port to starboard front to back many times . I was a 3rd class signalman working on the island and could observe flight ops . Served with a bunch of great guys , ships company and air wings . Made 3 wespac cruises to the Tonkin Gulf . Was truly a pleasure to walk "HER" decks .

It makes me very SAD to see the USS Oriskany go, but it is fitting that heroes of the oceans be buried at sea. She has a second life now, that of a refuge for many marine animals and as such, she is again useful! Her bridge is at about 130; of water which is still safe for most skillful SCUBA divers. I probably wouldn't go that deep, I got a bit nervous finding myself below 80' comfort level once! Perhaps with a qualified SCUBA instructor, I'd explore her. I used to dive mostly in Monterey Bay, and I was all too aware of the trench so was afraid to go near it! I know that sounds absurd, but I also have acrophobia, which, I guess, works the other direction also! I learned to fly an aircraft to help with the fear and it did, but those trenches are scary, I know there's some pretty scary creatures down deep and I didn't want one of them to check me out! Goodbye, old girl, may your heart have fair winds and following seas forever more, as the marine creatures welcome you to the depths where you will become HOME to many of them!

28:44 oh my sweet innocent summer child If only you knew what 15 years later held

My home 1967 through 1970. G division red shirt, (who felt like losing a family member when she went down). John McCain flew off and was shot down over Hanoi. Lost 90 guys per 9 month cruise times three cruises for most of us. We experienced tragic deaths of our shipmates and great joy with our shipmates and wondered why the people back home hated us for fighting the war when we came back home for a visit.

I wasn't on this ship, but I do remember seeing it on the ditto tapes in the radio shack at sea traveling along in the Wes Pac in 1968 or 1969. I believe I saw it doing flight details in the Tonkin Gulf. I was aboard the Everett Larson DD 830- 23rd squadron. This is the squadron that lost the sister ship USS Frank E. Evans DD 754 in the collision with the Australian carrier Melbourne on June 3rd 1969 during ASW drills, (anti submarine warfare) . In photos that is the Larson tied up to what's left of the Evans. I still have my Polaroid SX-70 instant pictures from that tragedy, and they are still good after 53 years.

Hats off to the many individuals who successfully sank this ship. However, many prayers and blessings for the men who sailed her into battle during her long life. May she be a reminder that the hard steel and craftmanship lying on the seabed is American made, Rest In Peace USS Oriskany; Thanks for a job well done. ✝

My Dad, a Marine, was stationed on an Aircraft Carrier for about 2 years and I was lucky enough (as a kid) to have visited his "boat" many times. The first time I saw it, I was just in awe of its size. To sink one so that it will rest at the bottom of the ocean as planned, "WOW!!!!" doesn't quite describe it I think. Great job by everyone involved!!!

Thank you for uploading another documentary free to watch. ❤️❤️❤️

When they are put to the test and come out victorious that really gives them a sense of family that that makes them brothers

I made her last deployment attached to VA-153. During the deployment I served on the CAG Lox crew. Slept in the forward port berthing directly below the cats and just inboard of the 5 inch gun what trip.

The Aircraft Carrier never dies, she just takes a nap. She is beautiful and continues to serve our nation, the US of A.

She was one tough lady. They sure did build her strong. Now she's serving again. Great documentary.

Imagine being inside the hangar with the water surging in. That was mesmirising power of the sea. And in history many a lost sailor has seen that...as their last ever sight. Not easy surviving internally as that water is extremely powerful. God rest those sailors all who were lost at sea...ever. And thank you too all Vets for service

All the missed opportunities for underwater shots of the sinking is sickening. Seeing the anchors being deployed and the journey to the bottom would have been nice, I guess we will wait another 50 years to get another do-over.

I went aboard Oriskany went she was stationed at NAS Alameda. My brother served aboard her and I went with him one day to work. Such history. I remember standing on the deck and watching planes land at the navy base. Good to see it of service again.

Made 4 cruises on the O boat 70- 74 in VF191.Glad they made something good w/ her.

My 3rd time watching and i am still amazed at the amount of work involved in sinking this big queen.

THANKYOU to the ship and all who sailed on her for your service .

I'm at home with a bucket for small scrap metal pieces, saving it until it is full enough to take to recycling and they are sinking giant metal ships in the ocean. I am face palming myself right now thinking I am doing any good recycling.

I served 5 years in the good ole USMC. I am no stranger to loyalty, and dedicated service, to this, the most incredible country in the world. The savior to those around the world who needed rescue from tyranny, and oppression. And I'm the one who is honored. Now after all that long winded love for one's country. Take all that steel, and build another carrier.... I know people want to help our friends, and beautiful wild life under these mammoth seas, but don't think for a second we can do more for those wonderful creatures than what God has already done and provided. Use that steel...

That was super awesome, I was amazed at the work that went into making that happen. 👍👍👊👏👏💪💯🇨🇦

i remember the mention of this ship in the movie 'top gun'

Maybe ..it is their way burying a hero on her resting place to serve the nature where she once sailing..the sea.. the fishes..and still serving...it didnt die..its a bit emotional seeing the ship sank .specially survived in many battles..from the 2nd worldwar to the future of our time..the vietnam war...in my thinking maybe they are too emotional than us..as instead they want it to see its resting than to see her dying salvaging ..its a feeling of paying respect for a warrior " a Good Death"...

dang, I'd hate to see my old ship get sunk like that, but better to see it turned into a reef than scrapped

Hurricane season . . . the real thing ! Went thru Hurricanes Betsy & Camille back in the 60's . . . as a kid, based in Chalmette, Louisiana. 🇺🇸

Every other US Veteran Ship Seeing This: *wait what*

Bravo Zulu for a job well done dear lady, rest easy.

This is so bitter/sweet. A warship that survived conflicts and deep wars and be 'Unsinkable" to now seeing her last resting place on the bottom of the ocean where it will be hard to ever see or walk her glorious hallways ever again. But, at least she wasn't ripped apart for scrap metal. She is still doing a noble job as a reed while protecting fish and other underwater beings. God bless all who bravely served on her and are actually at home as we speak with their families annoying life. God bless the US troops in every section of the Mighty US Military. We all love and respect what you do. Thank you!!

The Great Carrier Reef

Imagine how many sunken ship we have in the sea floor in the future, so it's like polluting the sea. I would prefer to have it scrapped and recycle or better renovate and make it a tourist spot like a museum.

Indian Navy's INS Vikrant aircraft carrier was recycled to make motorcycles. Bajaj Company made and named their motorcycles as a tribute to Vikrant. Sinking a huge ship is definately an eco Hazard.

My grandfather served on the Oriskany. Thomas English was his name. If anyone happens to know him or remember him I would love to hear about it!

I have served on a carrier. This is haunting seeing a carrier like this.

I LOVE QUALITY FREE CONTENT🙂

Navy Chief who happens to be from outside Oriskany, NY. God bless all who served on the O, and all who fought at the battle of Oriskany.

Awesome documentary - thanks for posting this. 👍

The people making the documentary are awesome with angles shots are awesome they sure do not missed anything and the editor I course is a master with the roll b,a and c on,and on not easy job but did amazing job like always!!!!!!!!and rest of the crew are awesome what a nice job that might be working around the ocean and what you liked most!!!!!!!

The narrator brought me here again.... watching from Kenya 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪

yes thank you so much for free documentary good job im enjoying watching👍👍👍🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

Another great documentary, thank you very much for sharing. Big fan of your channel!

People cheering, but I found it Emotional. Its heartbreaking to see a ship sink.

It’s was an incredible sink but very sad as well for all those who served on her

Great new start for that vessel, to be bringing new life and diversity to this small area of the ocean for the next century.

My best friend served on this ship during Vietnam.

Kind of sad when you think of all the seas and sailors who she knew. Wonderful use for it though. Peace! My husband served on aircraft carriers.

Why can't the scrap metal be recycled?

I seriously had tears rolling down when I saw her go down, Salutes to all brave men who served on this magnificent ship, also Salutes to those who did their job to last perfection and sank her upright, it surely was a hell of a job, rather a impossible one, love, respect, and warm regards from India 🌹🌹🇮🇳🇮🇳👍👍🙏🙏

I salute my best friend Lewis Ray Leivan who served on this ship. He was from Grant City, Missouri and was born July 15, 1938.

Even though this was done in the 90's it sends a shiver through you. One thing you do not see in the modern world is an American aircraft carrier sink!

It’s a shame that the ship was allowed to be left in such a deteriorated shape/condition. It could have been turned into a museum ship.

The Mighty 'O' is not gone. She's out there, resting in her grave, her tired old bones at peace.

48:59 Only the island is available to recreational divers, after settling another ten feet with Hurricane Gustav in 2008, leaving the flight deck at 145 feet, requiring additional training and equipment. It's pretty deep diving.

You know how much metals ,rear earth mineral that could entire ship recycle to make

it kinda hurt my feeling after seeing a legend sink

I felt sad watching such a valiant ship go down to a watery grave. It will give the sea creatures a place to thrive for decades.God bless America.

I was in the violin band that kept playing while she sank to the bottom of the sea. RIP ME

excellent job perform & all those crews including the bomb squad

I dove the Oriskany several years ago, what a great experience. Even though the flight deck is below recreational depth, the island isn't and is quite accessible.

10:19 That’s hard core! Puffing on a big stogie UNDER his welding mask 😂

If you drag the slider to the very end and then replay the video, no more ads. Enjoy

you are the best!!! i love the navy make more videos like this

If I started on this project at 18 completely by myself....I don't know if I could finish it in this lifetime. The 200 miles of cable would take me through my 20's alone probably. haha Such a giant task.

Sad, but at least she went down on decent terms. RIP Mighty O

"Look at gas prices today" He would have a heart attack today

Thank you for your service air craft carrier

Pretty frickin sweet, thanks.

I hope this is the first of many retired aircraft carriers that will be used for such a purpose. It's a hell of a lot better than going to a breakers yard.

"The ship will be blown up" :( "To make an artificial reef" :)

Shipmakers always claiming "This ship is unsinkable".. From: The Titanic

We need one in South Florida,,, the fishing is good here but it will just make it even better.

That ship is a hero itself. God bless America.

My husband did two tours both on the Oriskany

please upload documentary about black holes and make sure this will also for our region

Amazing. I never served aboard a carrier but I wad not aware of the massive job it took to make something like this happen. (USN 2001 - 2009)

Excellent documentary..The sinking of the USS America was just as noble and honorable....

I think its proper, for proven warships to be sunk in the ocean for life. It seems to be a honorable burial IMO rather being cut up for scrap.

My 3rd time watching this amazing video. Reading through a number of comments (not all) and seeing some of the same dates and years of when people served on board made we wonder if this video helped to reconnect any old ship mates who had lost touch over time. Here's to hoping so.

49:36 For a piece-de-resistance, take some small bits of coral and place them onto the center of the main flight deck, maybe add some other stuff as well that likes to propagate top down, instead of upward. If there's already some coral there, it'll grow faster than from nothing into a coral. Some anemone and such as well, a small pile, neatly stacked for like 1 m2 surface area. There's usually some coral offshoots from an already existing coral reef that can be used for this. No need to break down any existing coral reefs, just picking up a small offshoot that has started growing in the sand somewhere, and placing that on top of the flight deck.

I would consider it an honor to be sunk instead of cut up for scrap!!! I served aboard The U.S.S. Ranger CV-61. She headed for scrap in 2015 to South Texas.

It breaks the heart to sink a carrier but it’s a hell of a legacy to create an artificial reef that big