NY here we come, the USS one that is!

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go with a few friends and dive the USS New York. This WWI cruiser was built in 1891 and scuttled in 1941 and now lies on it's port side in 27m of water. The 8" guns are still in position and intact.

She began her life as the USS New York in Dec. of 1891 (launched) and commissioned in '93. In 1911 she was renamed the USS Saratoga and then named again in 1917 (to allow her name to go to a new vessel) the USS Rochester. In 1941 she was scuttled to prevent her capture by the Japanese.

The jelly fish is about the size of a pencil eraser. The lion fish was being a perfect subject and was not terribly bothered by my insistent close up photography. The stingray was about a foot in diameter. The strange bug eyed creature posing next to the gun didn't mind having his photo taken either.

I am always in awe of God's creation when diving. The vibrant colors, different shapes and diversity of animal life...it truly is a different world under the sea.