SS United States to Move This Weekend!
The SS United States, America’s iconic ocean liner, is set to embark on a historic journey as Okaloosa County’s Tourist Development Department in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, has completed all necessary safety requirements to move the vessel from Philadelphia to Mobile, Alabama.
This move marks the next phase in transforming the legendary ship into the world’s largest artificial reef.
The initial relocation of the SS United States will begin with a lateral move from Pier 82 to Pier 80 in South Philadelphia on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 8:21PM
The main departure from Philadelphia is scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 4 a.m., with contingency plans in place should visibility impact the journey.
Accompanied by multiple tugboats, the vessel will travel down the Delaware River, into the Atlantic Ocean, and eventually to Mobile, Alabama.
Okaloosa County Faces Challenges with SS United States
For those interested in tracking the voyage in real time, GPS tracking will be available at destinfwb.com.
However, the schedule remains tentative, with dates, times, and other logistics subject to change.
The ship’s journey to Mobile is expected to take approximately two weeks. Once it arrives, contractors will begin the extensive process of removing hazardous materials, including non-metal parts and residual fuel, to ensure the environmental safety of the artificial reef.
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Modifications will also be made to ensure the ship lands upright on the ocean floor when deployed. This preparation phase is anticipated to last about 12 months.
While the exact deployment site has yet to be finalized, officials expect the ship to be placed approximately 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach along the Gulf Coast.
Once submerged, the SS United States will serve as an artificial reef, creating a new marine habitat and attracting a diverse array of marine life, from red snapper to pelagic species like wahoo.
The site is expected to become a major attraction for divers and fishermen, benefiting both the local economy and the surrounding marine ecosystem.
Okaloosa County is also partnering with the SS United States Conservancy to establish a land-based museum in Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
This facility will commemorate the ship’s rich history and showcase iconic elements such as the funnels, radar mast, and other signature components.
Additionally, the museum will feature artifacts from the Conservancy’s extensive archival collection, ensuring that the legacy of the SS United States lives on for future generations.
For more information about the SS United States’ history, visit the SS United States Conservancy website. To learn more about Okaloosa County’s artificial reef program, visit destinfwb.com.
The Wildwood Video Archive will be sure to film the SS United States’ move.
You can check out our tour inside the SS United States below. (Please subscribe)