Okaloosa County is moving the historic SS United States from its long-time berth in Philadelphia to be sunk off Florida's coast, creating an artificial reef.
Okaloosa officials announced the first phase of the SS United States relocation project, which involves moving the ship from its long-time berth at Pier 82 to Pier 80 in South Philadelphia . This move is scheduled for Friday, around high tide at 2:47 p.m. The second phase, taking place on Presidents Day, Monday, February 17th, sees the ship towed from Pier 80 and out of South Philadelphia during low tide around 11:18 a.m.
The ship's new owners, Okaloosa County, have confirmed the completion of all necessary safety requirements for the move. Following its departure from Philadelphia, the SS United States will be headed towards Mobile, Alabama, where it will undergo preparations for its final destination: a planned sinking off Florida's panhandle. Okaloosa County acquired the derelict ship in fall 2024 after approving a $10.1 million plan to relocate, sink, and build a $1 million seaside museum dedicated to the ocean liner's history. The project had faced delays due to 'logistical details.' The interior of 'America's Flagship' requires extensive scrapping and detoxification, removing any potential toxins or asbestos before it can be sent to its underwater grave.After the cleaning process is complete, the vessel will be towed back out to the Gulf of Mexico. It will then travel approximately 20 miles southeast to a location just off the shores of Destin-Fort Walton, where it will be sunk. The ship's final resting place will be approximately 180 feet (55 meters) underwater, 20 miles (32 kilometers) off the coast of Destin, Florida. Okaloosa County anticipates the ship will become a popular destination for scuba divers and attract marine life, creating a thriving artificial reef. This won't be their only shipwreck habitat; in 1996, the ship found its home on Pier 82 in South Philadelphia after the SS United States Conservancy, a non-profit organization, rescued it from the scrapyard in 2011. However, plans for the ship's rehabilitation never materialized. The SS United States, christened in 1952, was once a symbol of American engineering prowess, capable of transporting thousands of troops and serving as a military vessel. On its maiden voyage in 1952, it set a transatlantic speed record, averaging 36 knots (over 41 mph) and crossing the Atlantic in three days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes, surpassing the RMS Queen Mary's time by 10 hours. To this day, the SS United States holds the transatlantic speed record for an ocean liner. In 1969, it became a reserve ship and later changed hands among various private owners who hoped to redevelop it but ultimately found their plans too costly or poorly timed. Okaloosa County officials aim to 'preserve the SS United States' storied history and the memories she has created for so many people over the years.'
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