Ex-USS Gallup

LOCAL DIVE SHOPS RAISE $$$$$$
the local Panama City Dive Shops raised almost $10,000 this summer for the cleaning of the GALLUP.....next year each store will collect $1.50 from each customer on the dive boats for this cause....GREAT WORK!!!!
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Commissioned in 1966 used for patrolling, recon, and search & rescue in Viet Nam

250 light Tons 165’ X 24
Powered by twin diesel and Jet Turbine
Speeds to 40 kts. Possible Reef Site
Donations for Cleaning Needed
Estimated Costs: $60-90,000
http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/11085.htm
Visit this web site for more information

On April 18, 2003, Panama City was put on a list of coastal communities interested in obtaining and sinking the ex-USS GALLUP. Over the next few weeks a decision will be made where it goes. To increase our chances of getting this exciting new wreck we need people to get involved. We need letters of support, preferably on business letterhead, expressing your interest in this coming to our area. We will also need groups and individuals that will help raise the necessary $60-90,000 necessary to cover the costs of towing, prepping, cleaning and deploying. Although some monies may be available from local governments, the brunt of the cost will be born by those of us interested in making it happen.

We currently have volunteers presenting our case to the Chamber of Commerce and the TDC. We need your help on a grassroots effort with local businesses and individuals. Donations will be taken at all local dive shops and for someone wishing to write a check in exchange for a receipt to document the donation for tax purposes the may make the check out to Florida Aquatic and Marine and note that it is a designated donation for the sinking of the GALLUP. A separate account has been established and is already nearing $1000.

If you are interested in supporting our fund raising drive the numbers below are adjusted from a 1998 economic survey done by Dr. Bell from the FSU economic department giving dollar values to our local artificial reef system.

GULFREEFS.ORG

2003 Economic Numbers

Annual Economic Impact $164.45 Million