USAFS Vandenberg

RCC provided environmental and compliance support for the deployment of the 522-foot USS Vandenberg—the largest vessel ever intentionally sunk as an artificial reef within a U.S. marine sanctuary.

The project required coordination with multiple regulatory agencies, including the National Marine Sanctuary Program, state regulatory bodies, and PCB/TSCA oversight entities. RCC supported hazardous materials removal, PCB compliance, environmental reporting, and documentation required under federal policies such as the Liberty Ship Act.

Following deployment in 2009, ongoing NOAA monitoring demonstrated that the new artificial reef significantly increased total dive activity and contributed measurable economic benefits to Key West and surrounding communities. Unlike many reefing projects meant to redistribute existing diving pressure, the Vandenberg generated net new activity, benefiting both the local dive industry and broader regional economy while satisfying stringent environmental protection requirements.

This deployment remains one of the most recognized large-vessel reefing projects in U.S. waters and highlights RCC’s capability to execute major artificial reef placements under complex regulatory frameworks.