After more than three decades anchored in a Philadelphia dock, the legendary SS United States, renowned for being the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic, set sail from the Delaware Bay on its enigmatic last voyage. Despite calls to save the iconic vessel, dubbed “America’s Flagship,” it is destined to meet its end in the waters ahead. Currently being guided by tugboats, the mammoth ship is making its way down the Atlantic Ocean on a two-week trek to Mobile, Alabama, where it will undergo cleaning and restoration for a remarkable second life as the largest artificial reef in the world, off the coast of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Stay updated on the SS United States’ momentous journey southward.
Where is the SS United States headed?
The historic SS United States, a marvel of technology upon its launch in 1952 and a record-breaker in transatlantic speed, departed from Philadelphia and is en route to Mobile, Alabama, with a future destination off the coast of Okaloosa County, Florida. Officials in Okaloosa County acquired the vessel from the SS United States Conservancy last year. Surpassing the Titanic in size, the grand ocean liner will be intentionally sunk off the Florida coast to become the world’s largest artificial reef, as detailed by the Destin-Fort Walton Beach tourism website. The initial leg of the voyage to Alabama is expected to span approximately two weeks, with the ship now reliant on tugboats for navigation due to its inoperable engines. Upon arrival in Mobile, the ship will undergo preparations at Modern American Recycling Services for its sinking, a process anticipated to take about a year. The specific location for the final resting place of the ship is yet to be determined by Okaloosa County officials, projected to be approximately 20 nautical miles south of the Florida Panhandle region near Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Plans are in place to establish a museum on land to commemorate the ship, while underwater, it will be transformed into an immersive experience for divers.
SS United States Legacy
Throughout its years of service from 1952 to 1969, the SS United States welcomed numerous distinguished passengers, including presidents, Hollywood icons, and renowned figures such as Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, Sean Connery, Walt Disney, and several U.S. presidents like Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Clinton. Retired in November 1969 due to declining popularity compared to air travel, the ship exchanged hands multiple times until its acquisition by Okaloosa County in 2024.
Follow the Journey
For real-time updates on the ship’s progress, utilize the tracker provided on the Destin-Fort Walton Beach website. The SS United States Conservancy, the former owner of the vessel, live-streamed its departure from Philadelphia. For a glimpse of this historic event, watch the ship’s farewell here.
Published on USA TODAY: SS United States sets course
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