Retired Jets May Have New Mission at Sea

Retired Jets May Have New Mission at Sea

Two U.S. Air Force jets that once were at home in the skies may soon find a more permanent residence at sea.

The two McDonnell F-101 Voodoo aircraft recently removed from the Panama City Marina and Gulf Coast State College are now being proposed for use as artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. Although there is still a long process ahead, including state and federal permitting, before the project becomes a reality, funding already has been earmarked.

Following a request from the newly created Bay County Artificial Reef Association, the Bay County Tourist Development Council (TDC) voted to set aside $30,000 to help fund the jets’ deployment at a meeting Tuesday.

“This is important for us to be able to create additional reasons for people to come to the beach, to fish as well as to dive,” said TDC Director Dan Rowe. “Panama City Beach is known as one of the top dive spots in the state of Florida, between us and the Keys.”

For the complete story by  Valerie Garman of The (Panama City, Fla.) News Herald, click here.

Updated: May 15, 2013 — 10:10 AM
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