In the mid-late 1970s, Florida sank an F-101, F-102, T-33 and Sikorsky off Bay County; the aircraft served as fishing and diving reefs for more than 10 years

In the 1970s, Florida made a bold choice by sinking military jets and helicopters into the Gulf of Mexico, creating makeshift fishing and diving reefs that thrived for over ten years. This innovative endeavor predated the establishment of national guidelines for artificial reefs. Many of these early reef-building efforts were spearheaded by recreational fishermen and divers, who capitalized on the robust structure of fighter jets to ensure long-lasting underwater habitats.