Diving the "Mighty O"

Well worth the long drive.

After a short stop at Morrison Spring we arrived in Gulf Shores Alabama in preparation for our dive. We checked in and then on to more important things, food. A nice dinner then it was off to bed.

We got up early and headed out to the boat. We all arrived at 7 AM chomping at the bit to get going. We were greeted by an amazing sunrise and very low winds from the North. Gear was assembled and the boat was loaded. We headed out to the "O" in one foot seas and a brisk 62 degree morning. The ride to the dive site was comfortable and the two hours went by quickly. Briefings done we settled in to ride the "Down Under" towards the sunrise.

We were the first dive boat on the site and the fishermen scattered as we located the mooring buoy. The viz was good 30 to 40 feet with some particulate in the water. While hooking up we saw a large box jelly and a couple of dolphins. All hooked up the second dive boat arrived on site and hooked in. That was it. Only two boats. Lucky us, we practically had this huge artificial reef to our selves. Greg had three divers with him and I had four. Nine divers hit the water with excitement and anticipation for a dive of a lifetime.

We follow the tag line to the mooring line and head down to the enormous exhaust vent in the top to the superstructure. Following the dive plan we circle down and around this Goliath. Barracuda, bait fish and jacks abound. The history of this vessel and the shear size are equally awe inspiring. There is no going to the flight deck for us recreational divers and really, there is no need. There is so much to see in the 130 feet of available diving that you really don't have time or the need to go in search of more.

For those that are wreck certified there are plenty of areas to explore on the interior and the exterior. Make sure to pay homage to the Stars and Stripes and the POW Flag that are flying proud from this vessel that has helped ensure this country's and our freedom. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to dive this great site and look forward to our next excursion there. Yes we will be returning to the Oriskany and I plan on stopping at more springs on the way.


Keep Diving,
Carl