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Log This Dive

USNS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg

Dropping onto the Vandenberg is like entering a sci-fi movie set, especially with that massive dish still mostly intact. We love how the sheer scale hits you right away; this isn't just a big boat, it's a floating city turned artificial reef. Head for the mast if you can, it’s usually swarming with baitfish and sometimes bigger pelagics hunting them. Inside, the sheer amount of penetrable space is impressive, though obviously, appropriate training is a must. Nurse sharks are almost guaranteed to be snoozing in the darker corners, and the deeper sections towards the bow often hold some surprisingly large groupers. The current can be a real factor here, so we always plan our dive to start against it, especially if you want to explore the whole length. Watch for those olive chromis darting around the superstructure – they add a splash of colour to the metal. It’s a site that really comes alive as the sunlight filters through the upper decks, casting long, dramatic shadows.