Here’s What’s Being Saved from the SS United States

Here’s What’s Being Saved from the SS United States

The once-glorious SS United States, famously known as “America’s Flagship,” is about to embark on a new chapter—this time beneath the waves.

After years of uncertainty and numerous efforts to save the ship, the SS United States Conservancy has reached a tentative agreement with Okaloosa County, located along Florida’s coastal Panhandle.

The plan is to turn the ship into an artificial reef, joining the county’s existing network of over 500 reefs that have already made the region a hotspot for scuba divers, fishermen, and marine enthusiasts.

This project aims to boost local tourism by offering a unique diving experience, allowing adventurers to explore the massive ship as it transforms into an underwater ecosystem.

Local businesses—such as scuba shops, charter fishing boats, and hotels—are expected to see a surge in visitors.

Experts project that the SS United States reef could generate millions of dollars annually in tourism spending.

The plan is both innovative and bittersweet: sinking the legendary ocean liner while preserving its legacy through a museum on land.

Before the sinking, the ship will be towed to Norfolk for preparation, during which certain items will be removed for display in the future museum.

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Though the museum is still in its early planning stages, SS United States Conservancy President Susan Gibbs mentioned in an interview with CBS News that the museum could feature one or both of the ship’s iconic funnels, along with the radar mast.

This has led many fans of the SS United States to wonder what other items will be salvaged for the museum.

The Wildwood Video Archive was able to obtain a copy of the sales agreement with Okaloosa County, which includes a detailed list of items to be saved. These include:

1. Builder’s plate
2. Five-bladed propeller
3. Four-bladed propeller cap
4. Bridge table
5. Whistle control box
6. Radar mast and radar stand
7. Bridge equipment stored in cargo hatch B deck
8. Cabin class smoking room bar
9. Tourist-class smoking room bar
10. Telephone switchboard exchange
11. Selected pantry equipment (no more than 3 items)
12. Print shop printer
13. Swimming pool ladder and railing
14. Instructional USCG placard
15. Samples of illuminated signage (no more than 5)
16. Samples of port lights (no more than 5)
17. Samples of promenade deck door handles (no more than 5)
18. Samples of engine room control panels (no more than 5)

While the funnels themselves are not specifically listed, the agreement includes a paragraph stating:

“As part of the preparation and remediation process, the Purchaser will remove the vessel’s two large stacks.

The Purchaser agrees, through its Contractor, to remove at least one of the stacks (in pieces/sections) and temporarily secure it for future use by the Seller, at the Seller’s option, for incorporation as part of a future museum or memorial.”

According to the contract, the new owners have twelve months to create a plan for the museum and will contribute $1 million toward its development.

The first step in this process is towing the SS United States, which was initially planned for October 25th but has since been delayed to an unreleased date.

We’ll be sure to capture footage of the ship as she passes under the Walt Whitman Bridge on her way to Norfolk, Virginia.

The Wildwood Video Archive had the privilege of visiting the SS United States last month and filmed a full tour inside the ship.

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What do you think should be included in the SS United States Museum?