SS United States Moving Date Announced
Yes, the SS United States will be moving we hope.
SS United States Moving Date Announced
After completing additional due diligence, including further testing and safety protocols mandated by the U.S. Coast Guard, Okaloosa County has once again received approval to proceed with moving the SS United States from Pier 82 in South Philadelphia to a temporary docking area in Mobile, Alabama.
While still subject to last-minute changes due to weather or other unforeseen factors, the first phase of the historic ship’s move will begin on Friday, February 14, 2025.
The initial operation involves relocating the vessel laterally from Pier 82 to the adjacent Pier 80 before beginning her journey down the Delaware River on Monday, February 17.
Moving the SS United States is a highly coordinated effort requiring multiple phases:
- Friday, February 14, 2025: At approximately 12:00 PM ET, tugboats will secure themselves to the ship and maneuver her to the north side of the slip, aligning with the high tide at 2:47 PM. She will then be secured at Pier 80.
- Monday, February 17, 2025: Tugboats will guide the SS United States into the Delaware River channel at low tide, around 11:18 AM. As she makes her way downriver, she will pass under key bridges, including the Walt Whitman Bridge (I-76), the Commodore Barry Bridge (U.S. 322), and the Delaware Memorial Bridge (I-295). The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) will coordinate necessary bridge closures to accommodate the move.
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During the two-week journey along the eastern seaboard, Okaloosa’s contractors will use real-time route planning, adjusting the course every six hours based on weather and ocean currents to ensure a safe voyage.
Upon arrival in Mobile, the SS United States will undergo extensive preparations for her transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef.
This process, which is expected to take approximately 12 months, will include the removal of hazardous materials, non-metal components, and fuel to ensure an environmentally safe deployment. Additionally, modifications will be made to ensure the ship lands upright when submerged.
The exact location of her final resting place has not been determined, but it is expected to be about 20 nautical miles south of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area along the Gulf Coast.
Once deployed, the SS United States will become a thriving underwater ecosystem, attracting marine life ranging from red snapper to pelagic species like wahoo.
The artificial reef is expected to be a major attraction for divers from around the world, as well as a boon for local and charter fishing industries.
Beyond her role in marine conservation, Okaloosa County will continue its partnership with the SS United States Conservancy to develop a land-based museum in Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
This museum will feature iconic pieces of the ship, such as the funnels and radar mast, alongside archival collections that preserve her storied past.
For those eager to track her final journey, GPS updates will be available at www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/ssus.
The Wildwood Video Archive will not be able to be there for the move on Monday. (We hope that it does get pulled for us).
We did the tour inside the ship this past summer. Watch the tour video below.