Two F-101 Voodoo fighters go down

Two US F-101 Voodoo jets have been sunk near Panama City Beach. The machines, after being prepared, will enrich the local artificial reef. As usual on such occasions, the beneficial impact of similar installations on both the development of underwater life and diving tourism is strongly emphasised.

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Before settling on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, both machines were gutted of everything unnecessary or harmful. In addition to the armaments, all fluids, lubricants, cables, in short, everything that could harm the environment, was removed. This is a standard procedure and in the case of the largest, intentionally sunken wrecks, the entire preparation process can take years (as far as I remember, the record is 5).

[ot-video type=”youtube” url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqCFIiYGsQI”]

The entire operation to sink both F-101 Voodoo was watched from many small boats by onlookers. The mood was good for everyone. After all, how can one accept without enthusiasm the fact that something good is happening for the entire surrounding community? The Americans, who have a lot of experience in creating artificial reefs, know very well that every new interesting wreck acts as a magnet for tourists and… of course for fish, which are eager to nest in its nooks and crannies.

The worn-out fighters have started a new chapter in their career. This time no longer as a lethal weapon of the US Air Force, but more in line with the LAPD motto “To Serve And Protect (To Serve And Protect).

The machines are set at a depth of approximately 25m. This will make them accessible to the eyes of all divers, regardless of their level of training. This will certainly translate into more visits. Patric Green, owner of a local dive shop, carried out an underwater reconnaissance shortly after the jets were sunk.

“It’s amazing how quickly the fish found their way in! These machines will definitely become a great attraction for divers as well as anglers, and of course for the fish. I’m sure that as soon as the planes are fully stabilised, even more sea creatures will appear. We have had a sunken plane in the area before, but it is too deep for inexperienced divers,” said Green.

Local residents were very close to both machines, as they had been piloted by members of the local Bay County Commission, and had been on display as a public display for many years. When something had to be done with them, it was decided that rather than scrap a piece of local history, it would be better to call it into new service.

You know the saying that everything is huge in the USA? The situation described here seems to fit this rule perfectly. Huge coastline, huge artificial reefs, huge attraction, huge influence on the development of underwater fauna and flora, and finally huge influence on many small companies that deal with boat charters, widely understood diving business, catering, etc. Looking at it from the perspective of our “Bryza” it seems that, unfortunately, we lack enormous imagination, momentum and courage to follow this proven model.

Source: wmbb.com