After several months of setbacks, the legendary SS United States is finally gearing up for her last voyage. The massive ocean liner, once the pride of American shipbuilding, is set to sail one final time before she becomes the largest artificial reef on the planet.
Regulatory hurdles caused delays in November, but Okaloosa County officials have now confirmed that all local, state, and federal approvals are in place. The ship is set to move from Pier 82 to Pier 80 in Philadelphia on Thursday, February 6.
Then, on Saturday, February 8, at exactly 4 a.m., she will begin her historic trip down the Delaware River before making her way to the Atlantic Ocean.
A Historic Journey for the SS United States
The SS United States won’t be speeding across the ocean like she did in her glory days. Instead, she will be towed down the coast on a carefully planned route. County officials are still deciding whether to bring her close enough to shore so spectators can watch this once-in-a-lifetime event.
GTN / The final destination of SS United States is Mobile, Alabama, a two-week journey that will be carefully monitored.
Once she arrives, a team will start stripping the vessel of any materials that could harm marine life. This process will take about a year, ensuring that when the ship is finally submerged, it becomes a safe and thriving habitat for sea creatures.
SS United States Will Become an Underwater Haven
The transformation of the SS United States into an artificial reef is more than just a spectacle. It is an environmental mission. The ship’s final resting place is expected to be about 20 miles off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Though the exact coordinates have not been confirmed, officials say the location will provide an incredible site for marine life and attract thousands of divers and fishermen.
Once submerged, the SS United States will hold the record as the world’s largest artificial reef. Experts predict it will become a magnet for underwater tourism, boosting the local economy while preserving the ship’s legacy beneath the waves. Instead of rusting away in a shipyard, the vessel will become a thriving marine ecosystem.
The Voyage Marks a Maritime Legend on Land
Even though the SS United States will soon rest on the ocean floor, her legacy won’t be lost. Okaloosa County has partnered with the SS United States Conservancy to build a museum dedicated to the ship’s incredible history.
The Journal / The land-based museum will feature some of the ship’s most iconic pieces, including her towering red, white, and blue funnels, radar mast, and other preserved parts.
Visitors will also be able to explore a massive collection of archival materials, which will keep the spirit of America’s most famous ocean liner alive for future generations.
The Final Chapter for the Record-Breaking Ship
The SS United States was once the fastest, most glamorous ocean liner in the world. She shattered transatlantic speed records in 1952, crossing the Atlantic in just three days, ten hours, and forty minutes. It is a record that still stands. She carried presidents, celebrities, and royalty, a floating symbol of American power and prestige.
But like many great ships, her time at sea faded. She spent decades rusting away in Philadelphia, with countless efforts to save her from the scrapyard. Now, she is getting a sendoff worthy of her name. It marks a final journey to become an underwater monument, where she will continue to serve in a new and meaningful way.