The Vandenberg
© Courtesy of Richard Carey - Fotolia.com

Review & FAQ:

  • What is The Vandenberg?
    • The Vandenberg is a former United States Navy ship that was intentionally sunk in 2009 to create an artificial coral reef in the Florida Keys.
  • What was The Vandenberg's original purpose?
    • The Vandenberg originally served as a missile-tracking ship and a military troop transport vessel.
  • Where is The Vandenberg located?
    • The ship rests in about 150 feet of water in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, approximately seven miles south of Key West.
  • Why was The Vandenberg sunk?
    • The ship was sunk to create an artificial coral reef, which helps to protect natural coral reefs by redirecting scuba divers to a new, exciting underwater site.
  • What are the benefits of the artificial reef?
    • The artificial reef adds to the local marine animal population, provides a new location for research and education, helps preserve the history of the ship, and boosts the local economy by attracting divers.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐