In 1995, the U.S. Navy made a surprising decision that would forever change the waters off the coast of Florida. They took 40 of their retired A-6 Intruder aircraft, which had been used for decades in combat, and deliberately sunk them into the ocean to create an artificial reef called “Intruder Reef.” But why would they destroy these powerful jets instead of saving them for museums or turning them into scrap metal? The answer is both practical and surprising.
What Was the A-6 Intruder?
The A-6 Intruder was no ordinary aircraft. Introduced in 1963, it became one of the Navy’s most essential weapons. Unlike other bombers, the Intruder was the world’s first all-weather attack bomber. It could fly and complete its missions in complete darkness or during bad weather, using advanced radar and infrared sensors. Whether the skies were clear or stormy, the A-6 could detect and strike targets with incredible accuracy. It could carry up to 18,000 pounds of weapons, including bombs and...
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