Above phote courtesy of Ed Midgett, Jr.

"USS MOHAWK" CGC

Veteran's Memorial Dive Reef

July 2, 2012

Final resting place

Latitude: 26°33'04.5"N Longitude: 82°43'28.9"W

Lee County, FL has a new Veteran's Memorial Artificial Dive Reef located thirty miles offshore from Red Fish Pass. The ship is a piece of history and she will be a vital part of our eco-system.

The USS Mohawk has been on a lot of important missions over the years, but sailing into Southwest Florida, was her final voyage.

The USS Mohawk was commissioned in 1935. She played a very important role in helping to protect US shores, launching 14 attacks against submarines between 1942 and 1945. The ship has traveled around the world, from New York to Alaska and even Greenland, creating a rich history with the US Coast Guard.

"Mighty Mo" is best known for making the last radio call to General Dwight D. Eisenhower, signaling the weather was clear to begin D. Day operations.

The ship was towed July 1, 2012 to 28 miles west of Redfish Pass where she was purposefully sunk on July 2, 2012 and turned into a reef and diving attraction, and of course a Veteran's Memorial.

Wreaths Across America donated a bio-degradable wreath which was adorned with Ixora and seven (7) Bird of Paradise flower heads representing all the branches of the military including Merchant Marine and POW/MIA.

Reefmaker CEO Jeff Dey placed the memorial wreath on the ship's Bow gun before sinking. US Coast Guard Auxilary, Flt 9-10, Coxswain Pat McCarn presented the wreath on behalf of Wreaths Across America bidding her a fond farewell and honoring all Veterans. The wreath survived the sinking and was found by the first divers in perfect condition.

Rest in peace "Mighty Mo".

Video links of the Memorial Wreath:

Placing of the Memorial Wreath on the Bow Gun

See the Memorial Wreath underwater on the Bow Gun still intact