The Mighty O: USS Oriskany CVA-34

The USS Oriskany , known affectionately as The Mighty O, is an aircraft carrier 911 feet long. Eight boilers and four steam turbine engines, delivering 150,000 shaft horsepower to four propellers, drove The Mighty O as she cruised through the water at speeds in excess of 30 knots. During fleet operations, the ship consumed 200 thousand gallons of fuel oil per day. The Mighty O is comparable in height to a 25-story skyscraper, has 10 decks and extended 192 feet above the waterline. Her crew, including the air wing, consisted of around 3,500 men. During the Vietnam War, The Mighty O carried a complement of 80 aircraft (jets, prop-driven and helicopters). Most of her fixed-wing aircraft, including the 70,000 pound A3 Sky Warrior, were launched by two steam-driven catapults. Aircraft recovery was accomplished by four arresting cables. After 25 years of service, The Mighty O continues her service to the nation as an artificial reef in 200 feet of water, 20 miles off the coast of Pensacola, Florida.