ABOUT THIS PROJECT

SinkTheVandenberg.com is a joint effort with Artificial Reefs of the Keys and Valeo Films Inc. designed to embrace the USNS Vandenberg becoming the world’s 2nd largest artificial reef, and to share video of the site with the world. The mission of this site is to document the historical event and celebrate the phenomenal positive opportunity it presents to aquatic life, the environment, scuba diver excursions and the overall economy of Key West and the state of Florida.  On May 27, 2009 (the date of the sinking of the USNS Vandenberg) this site streamed live video of the sinking - an internet first!  

About the USNS Vandenberg

What is its history?

1. •1943:  built by Kaiser shipyard in Richmond, California.
   

2. •1944-46:  USS Gen. Harry Taylor commissioned as a troop transport carrying personnel to Atlantic and Pacific Ports. After the surrender of Japan, she was the first ship to return to New York Harbor.
   

3. •1946-50:  USAT General Harry Taylor served Army Transport Service, bringing home the troops.
   

4. •1950-57:   USNS General Harry Taylor served the Military Sealift Command, carrying refugees and displaced persons from Europe to America and Australia.
   

5. •1958:   Decommissioned and placed in reserve.
   

6. •1961:   Acquired by the Air force and completely refitted to serve a missile tracking ship.
   

7. •1963:   Re-commissioned as USAFS Gen Hoyt S Vandenberg.
   

8. •1964-1983:   USNS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg re-acquired by the Navy and continued her mission tracking US and Russian missile launches, and launches of the early space program.
   

9. •1983:   retired and transferred to the Maritime Administration Reserve “Ghost Fleet” on the James River in Virginia.
   

10. •1996:   Used in the Universal Pictures movie, “Virus” (released 1999) starring Donald Sutherland and Jamie Lee Curtis.
    

11. •1999:   Artificial Reefs of the Keys was incorporated, having identified Vandenberg as an ideal candidate for an Artificial Reef.
    

12. •March 31, 2007:   towed from the reserve fleet to a shipyard in Norfolk Virginia to begin the extensive cleaning process.
    

13. •April 12, 2009:   towed from Norfolk, bound for Key West.
    

14. •April 22, 2009:   Vandenberg arrived at the Truman annex dock in Key West for the final preparations for sinking.
    

15. •May 27, 2009:  Vandenberg scuttled.

How Big is it?

Displacement: 17,250 tons
Length: 522' 10"
Beam: 71' 6"
Draft: 26' 6"

Height: 100 feet from keel to the highest point. We trimmed the stacks and antennas to allow the required 40 feet of clearance from the surface when the ship was deployed at 140 feet. Much of the superstructure is just 40-50 feet below the surface. The keel and the four 8-ton anchors rest at 150 feet.

Where was it sunk?

1. •At 24.27 N, 81.44 W, between Western Sambo and Sand Key, and south of Hawks Channel marker #32
   

2. •It is about 7 miles offshore.
   

3. •The site was carefully chosen ten years ago, with input from many interested parties. Permits from eighteen different agencies define the location.
   

4. •Over 130 dives were conducted to survey the site. It is on hard barren bottom with no coral and no submerged cultural resources (historic wrecks).
   

How did they sink it?

1. •Cutting charges opened holes in the lower deck. Water pressure pushed the cut-out plates inward, allowing water to  flow in at the bottom and air to vent out of the top.
   

2. •The ship has tons of ballast near the keel, which was placed there to create a stable platform for the big tracking antennas.
   

3. •It sank straight down in 1 minute 44 seconds.
   

Why was this done?

An artificial reef will:

1. •boost the local economy, encouraging tourism and creating jobs.
   

2. •create marine habitat and increase marine life population.
   

3. •relieve pressure from the surrounding natural reef.
   

4. •provide an opportunity to scientifically document the effects of artificial reefs with an ongoing monitoring program.
   

5. •provide a platform for education and research.
   

6. •preserve the history and honor the memory of the men and women that served on the vessel.
   

Home            About             Video           Photos            David Ulloa            Credits            Contact