This dive site features the USS Strength, a fascinating World War II minesweeper now resting on the seabed. Her storied past includes surviving a midget submarine attack and a kamikaze raid during her service off Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Later, she became a training hulk for Navy salvage divers before being sunk as an artificial reef. The wreck is notably broken into two distinct sections, with her bow separated from the rest of the hull, allowing divers to easily swim through and explore the wreckage.
As an artificial reef, the USS Strength attracts a variety of marine life typical of the Gulf of Mexico. Divers can expect to see numerous reef fish species such as snapper, grouper, and amberjack taking shelter within the structure. The wreck also provides a habitat for invertebrates like crabs, lobsters, and various types of colorful sponges and soft corals that have colonized its surfaces, making it an excellent spot for macro photography.
The USS Strength is a year-round dive site, though the warmer months offer more comfortable water temperatures. Visibility can vary, but generally ranges from good to moderate. This wreck is particularly recommended for beginner and intermediate divers due to its manageable depth and the ease of navigating its separated sections. Freedivers will also find the average depth of 12 meters suitable for exploration, making it a versatile historical attraction.
