Records on file show USS Kawishiwi AO-146 refueled Mighty "O"
2 times in 1967 and 6 times in 1971, there were surely other times.
View: Mobile News - Crew COMMENTS - Oriskany WEB SITE
This is how she appeared when refueling.
Photo taken in Pacific - in June 1966 from DD-858 by Richard Leonhardt
from: navsource
Bashi Channel, (between Philippines and Taiwan) June 23, 1966 - also by Richard Leonhart
USS Oriskany CVA-34 was sunk on May 17, 2006 She now lies 24 miles off Pensacola Beach in 212 feet
of water with top being just 55 feet deep and flight deck at 130 ft. creating the worlds largest man-made reef.
View her sinking VIDEO
Review planning of this artificial reef - PDF.
She was home to John McCain when the Navy pilot and future senator served in Vietnam.
Notice the small boat on deck - it stays afloat.
500 pounds of plastic explosives went off
with bright flashes of light and clouds of brown and gray smoke.
The rusted hulk took 37 minutes to slip beneath the smooth sea
After the blasts, an acrid smell hung in the air. She went down stern first.
The blue sea churned a foamy white as the deck - bright orange with rust, slid under.
Words are from Seattle's 5-18-06 P-I; written by Melissa Nelson of the AP
Photos from MURDOC ONLINE
Military ships used as artificial reefs (from reef planning PDF)
Go to Ships Along Side