The USS Strength is part of the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, indicating its popularity among divers in the region. Its use as a training aid for thousands of divers each year further attests to its significance as a dive site.

Article at a Glance

1. Historical Background: The USS Strength was an Admirable-class minesweeper commissioned during World War II, serving in significant battles such as Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
2. Sinking Details: The ship was intentionally sunk as an artificial reef on May 19, 1987, off the coast of Panama City, Florida, at a depth of 80 feet.
3. Current Condition: The wreck is split into two sections, allowing divers to swim between the bow and the rest of the hull, which enhances the exploration experience.
4. Diving Popularity: As part of the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, the USS Strength is a popular dive site for recreational divers, offering a unique opportunity to explore a piece of history.
5. Marine Life: Divers can expect to encounter various marine species and potentially larger fish like goliath groupers that are often attracted to artificial reefs.
6. Safety Measures: Safety protocols include providing waterproof dive cards with essential information about the wreck, depth, navigation paths, and marine life awareness.
7. Dive Operators: Local dive shops, such as Steel Slinger Dive Charters, offer guided trips to the USS Strength, making it accessible for divers of varying experience levels.

Shipwreck Location Coordinates and Depth

Depth

80 feet (approximately 24.4 meters)

Location Coordinates

30° 01.936′ N, 085° 42.413′ W

What Do Scuba Divers Say About This Ship

Dive Experience

• Depth: The wreck sits at a relatively shallow depth of 80 feet, making it accessible to many divers.
• Exploration: Divers can easily swim between two sections of the ship’s hull where the bow separated from the rest of the vessel.
• Visibility: While not explicitly stated, the shallow depth likely contributes to good visibility for divers.

Historical Interest

Divers appreciate the USS Strength for its rich history:

• The ship survived both a midget submarine attack and a kamikaze raid during World War II.
• It served in significant WWII battles, including operations off Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Unique Features

• Hurricane Impact: The wreck lay on its side for years before being righted by Hurricane Opal in 1995, adding an interesting element to its underwater topography.
• Split Structure: The separation of the bow from the rest of the hull creates an intriguing dive site with multiple areas to explore.

Marine Life

While specific marine life isn’t mentioned in the search results, artificial reefs like the USS Strength typically attract various fish species and provide a habitat for coral growth, enhancing the diving experience.

Dive Site Popularity

The USS Strength is part of the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, indicating its popularity among divers in the region. Its use as a training aid for thousands of divers each year further attests to its significance as a dive site.

What Kind of Marine Life Can Be Found on The Ship

Common Marine Life

While the search results don’t provide specific details about marine life on the USS Strength, artificial reefs like this shipwreck typically attract a variety of sea creatures:

• Fish Species: Various reef fish are likely to inhabit the wreck.
• Coral Growth: Over time, corals often establish themselves on shipwrecks.

Notable Sightings

• Goliath Grouper: While not specifically mentioned for the USS Strength, the nearby Black Bart wreck is known for sightings of goliath groupers, which can grow up to 8 feet in length and weigh up to 800 pounds. It’s possible these impressive fish might also visit the USS Strength.

Marine Life Information Resources

• Dive Cards: The waterproof dive card for the USS Strength features images of six key species likely to be found at the site, along with information on where to look for them.

Factors Influencing Marine Life

• Depth: At less than 80 feet, the USS Strength is in relatively shallow water, which can support a diverse ecosystem.
• Structure: The ship’s split hull, with the bow separated from the rest, creates varied habitats for marine life.
• Time: Sunk in 1987, the wreck has had decades to develop as an artificial reef, likely supporting a rich ecosystem.

Key Information

How Does The USS Strength Compare to Other Shipwrecks in Florida

Historical Context

• Era: The USS Strength is a World War II-era vessel, sunk in 1987, making it much more recent than many of Florida’s famous shipwrecks from the colonial and early American periods.
• Purpose: Unlike treasure ships or merchant vessels, the USS Strength was a military minesweeper that later became a training hulk.

Sinking Circumstances

• Intentional Sinking: The USS Strength was intentionally sunk as an artificial reef, contrasting with many historic wrecks that were lost due to natural disasters or warfare.
• Preservation: Being intentionally sunk, the USS Strength is likely in better condition than many older wrecks that suffered violent sinkings.

Accessibility and Diving

• Depth: At 80 feet deep, the USS Strength is more accessible to recreational divers compared to some deeper wrecks.
• Location: It’s part of the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, making it a popular and well-documented dive site.

Historical Significance

• While historically significant, the USS Strength doesn’t carry the same level of mystique or treasure-hunting allure as some of Florida’s older wrecks, like those from the Spanish colonial period.

Marine Life

• As a relatively recent artificial reef, the USS Strength likely hosts a different ecosystem compared to centuries-old wrecks that have become fully integrated into the marine environment.

What is The Full History of This Ship

Early History and World War II Service

• Laid down on October 4, 1943 by Associated Shipbuilders in Seattle, Washington
• Launched on March 28, 1944
• Commissioned on September 30, 1944
• Served as an Admirable-class minesweeper during World War II
• Saw action off Iwo Jima and Okinawa
• Survived both a midget submarine attack and a kamikaze raid
• Received three battle stars for World War II service

Post-War Period

• Decommissioned on July 19, 1946
• Placed in reserve fleet
• Reclassified as MSF-309 on February 7, 1955
• Struck from the Naval Vessel Register on April 1, 1967

Later Use and Sinking

• Used as a training hulk for Navy salvage divers in Washington, D.C.
• Later moved to Panama City for continued use in diver training
• Intentionally sunk as an artificial reef on May 19, 1987
• Initially lay on her side after sinking
• Righted by Hurricane Opal in 1995

Current Status

• Lies at a depth of 80 feet off the coast of Panama City, Florida
• Part of the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail
• Popular dive site for recreational scuba divers
• Hull is split into two sections, with the bow separated from the rest of the ship
• Continues to serve as a training aid for thousands of divers each year

What Historical Features Can Still Be Identified on The USS Strength Wreck

Hull Structure

• The ship is split into two main sections, with the bow separated from the rest of the hull.
• Divers can easily swim between these two sections, allowing for exploration of both parts of the wreck.

Military Equipment

While not explicitly stated, as an Admirable-class minesweeper, some remnants of its military purpose may still be visible:

• Possible remains of minesweeping equipment
• Potential remnants of its armament, which originally included one three-inch gun and four 40mm anti-aircraft guns.

Ship Components

• Given its relatively recent sinking (1987) and use as a training hulk, major structural elements like the deck, hull plates, and internal compartments are likely still identifiable.

Historical Modifications

• Evidence of its use as a training hulk for Navy salvage divers may be visible, such as areas used for practice cutting or patching.

Hurricane Impact

• The wreck’s current orientation, nearly upright, is a result of Hurricane Opal in 1995. This positioning might allow divers to observe how natural forces have affected the wreck over time.

What Safety Measures Are in Place for Divers Visiting the USS Strength

Depth and Accessibility

• The wreck lies at a depth of 80 feet, which is within recreational diving limits.
• The relatively shallow depth allows for longer bottom times and easier access for divers of various experience levels.

Dive Site Information

• Waterproof dive cards are available, providing crucial information for divers:
  • 3D-rendered images of the wreck on both sides
  • Important depth information
  • Suggested navigation path through the site
  • Ratings on the level of difficulty, current, depth, reef, and fauna

Marine Life Awareness

• The dive card includes images of six key species likely to be found at the site and where to look for them, helping divers be aware of potential wildlife encounters.

Wreck Structure

• The ship is split into two sections, with the bow separated from the rest of the hull.
• Divers can easily swim between these two sections, reducing the risk of entrapment.

General Diving Safety Rules

While not specific to the USS Strength, standard diving safety practices apply:

• Diving within one’s training, experience, and comfort level
• Avoiding exceeding depth limits
• Not engaging in activities beyond one’s abilities

Location Information

• The exact coordinates of the wreck (30° 01.936′ N – 085° 42.413′ W) are widely available, allowing for precise navigation to the site.

Ongoing Monitoring

• As part of the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, the site is likely monitored and maintained to ensure it remains a safe diving destination.

Dive Shops That Provide Diving Trips to This Shipwreck

1. Steel Slinger Dive Charters
   • Address: 3605 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
   • Phone: (850) 588-8077
   • Website: http://steelslinger.com/
   • Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
   • Highly rated (5 stars based on 13 reviews)

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