The U.S.S. Vandenberg's Final Journey

Key West's Newest World-Class Dive Attraction and Artificial Reef

May 1, 2009: After completing her journey from Norfolk, Va, the Vandenberg is now docked at the Truman Waterfront and is undergoing final preparations for her next tour of duty as Florida's newest artificial reef. Key West History will be posting photos of her departure and sinking as soon as we get them. The unofficial date for the sinking is May 15, 2009.

Full view of the Vandenberg from the bow to the stern.

Access to the new artificial reef will vary according to each diver's skill level. Soon large access holes will be cut out of the structure so divers can swim through one side of the ship to the other. Here we see smaller holes cut in the bow to assist in venting trapped air from the ship as she sinks.

The radar dishes will be visible to snorkelers from the surface.

Just one of the radar dishes viewed up close.

Divers will be able to swim through the Vandy's bridge.

Work proceeds apace in creating Key West's newest attraction - here's a close-up of the venting holes.

Contrarily, the portholes have been welded shut.

The open hatch near the stern will provide additional access for both divers and fish.

The gangplank will soon disappear and the ship will be on her way to the bottom.

A full view from the stern shows us the former spy ship in all her glory. The open hatches and access holes, the bridge and radar towers - all offer opportunities for marine life to take hold and grow and for snorkelers and divers to enjoy a new treat six miles off the coast of Key West.