The USS New York was scuttled to prevent her 8 inch guns to be captured.

Name Dive Site:	USS New York
Inserted/Added by:	visit_subic_bay
Rated:	Rated 4.7, 3 votes
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The USS New York has been transformed into an artificial reef. The growth of the tourism industry has expanded and Subic Bay has become an upcoming dive vacation location. The New York has become one of the most dived ship wrecks in Asia, given her somewhat shallow depth (18 to 27 meters), ease of access and proximity to other wrecks and activities.

The dive site allows the diver to have a nice look at an historical wreck. Within the range they can examine is the barrel of an 8 inch gun at about 18 meters and then they can continue the dive at the 14 to 18 meter depth to explore the marine growth. The 110-meter length gives plenty of area to observe as corals, sponges and fish life have had over 60 years to convert it into home. Scorpionfish are common around this wreck and divers are reminded that contact with these fish is dangerous. More advanced divers can explore the propeller, conning tower and deck areas. The mess deck has an interesting swim of 60 meters with portholes above allowing light, but no exit. There are some other areas for the experience wreck diver such as the boiler room which can be explored on a single tank. Those who can dive beyond recreational limits can access the engine room and machinery spaces. These are in excellent condition, with huge pipes, machinery and valve wheels. Penetration is generally made on twin tanks, with reel and advanced wreck diver training. Both engine room entrances are posted with notices warning of the dangers to the untrained.

USS New York, a 8150-ton armored cruiser built at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was commissioned in August 1893. She initially served as flagship of the South Atlantic Squadron, then went to the West Indies before joining the European Squadron in 1895. She was in the North Atlantic Squadron when the Spanish-American War began, and was flagship during the Caribbean campaign that led to the Battle of Santiago on 3 July 1898.

From 1898 to 1916, New York served off Latin America, in Asiatic waters, the eastern Pacific, the Atlantic and off Europe. She was renamed Saratoga in 1911. During the First World War, the cruiser was active in both the Pacific and the Atlantic, and was renamed again in 1917, becoming USS Rochester. She remained in the Atlantic after the war, and operating in the Caribbean area until 1932. Rochester was flagship of the Asiatic Fleet in 1932-33, mainly serving in Chinese waters. Decommissioned for the last time in April 1933, she was laid up at Olongapo, Philippines, until scuttled in December 1941 to avoid the risk of capture by the Japanese.

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