Posted on 05/27/2009 10:38:37 PM PDT by JoeProBono
What do you do with a 523-foot rusty warship that's outlived its time?
In the case of the USNS Vandenberg, you sink it, reports CBS News correspondent Kelly Cobiella.
In its heyday in the 1960s, the Vandenberg watched space launches, and spied on Russia.
"It helped with the Cold War - it fought as hard as anyone," said veteran Mac Monroe.
Before long it'll be an artificial reef, an underwater playground for divers and fish.
"This is the best wreck dive in the world you can drive to," said dive boat captain Joe Weatherby. "That's a fact."
I’ll have to dive that this or next summer. Did the video mention its depth?
They don’t say but imply that diving is expected.
Why not scrap it? That’s a whole lotta steel.
The Florida HR recently sent a bill to the state Senate authorizing drilling in the waters off Florida's shores. It appears it will stay on the back burner until gas prices at the pump rise above the $4 mark again. The following article was posted on FR a few weeks ago that also links a video showing what an ENVIRONMENTAL BONANZA offshore oil rigs are...
http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/04/offshore_oil_drilling_an_envir.html
I've called and emailed my ‘conservative’ State Senator, Mike Haridopolos, asking for his support in moving this bill forward. Apparently environmental issues are the main concern. He won't reply to my request.
To: NonValueAdded
Would you ping your Brevard County list to get some heat applied to our Senator who sends out birthday cards asking for our input?
“It cost more than $8 million to clean and sink the Vandenberg. Locals both above and below water are hoping it pays. “
It’s being sunk off Key West according to the article. It would be a lot more profitable to stick an oil rig there before the Chinese start doing it.
Brevard County, Florida ping.I heard yesterday — believe on Fox News — that it’s about 130’ down with the highest points of the ship some 40’ down. Seems that the 40’ is awfully close to the surface, though.
Thanks for pinging your list! Here’s the text of my email to Senator Mike dated May 4, with no response other than the canned acknowledgement of receipt ...
“Thanks for the birthday card, Mike. Last Monday, as you suggested in your card, I called your office to inquire about your position on the offshore drilling bill recently passed overwhelmingly by the Florida House. The lady at your office said she didn’t know what your position is but she would find out and call me back. It’s been a week with no reply. This is a matter of great interest and concern to me. After viewing your website, I see you serve on two committees having to do with energy and environment issues, so you must share my interest and concern on this matter.
The thing that concerns me the most is a quote from Senate President Jeff Atwater reported in Business Week regarding HB1219. He said: “I’m not receptive to it. That is a really significantly important issue and one that I think would, frankly at our end, would take some serious review.” That sounds like drilling for gas and oil off Florida’s shore is destined for the back burner in the Senate. Governor Crist doesn’t sound receptive to it either.
According to your website, you are in favor of reducing our dependence on foreign oil,
reducing the cost of fuel and reducing potentially harmful emissions. You are a proud “Champion for Business” and strong on protecting the environment.
This legislation means many high paying jobs in Florida, tax revenue when it is needed most, reducing dependence on foreign petroleum, all the goals you support, along with an environmental bonanza. Please take a few minutes to read this linked article “Offshore Oil Drilling: An Environmental Bonanza”:
http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/04/offshore_oil_drilling_an_envir.html
Will you push for Senate passage to allow drilling for gas and oil off Florida’s shores?
I’d appreciate a timely email reply from you.”
Oil rigs have been great for the Upper Texas Gulf Coast fishing! That’s where the fish are......Great post!
(said in a whiny voice)
LOL! Hi from one fisherman to another (except I am a fishin'woman)
Thanks for the ping!
ping
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