A legendary piece of American maritime history, the SS United States, will soon leave its longtime home where it resides at Philadelphia’s Navy Yard to become part of the world’s largest artificial reef.
What’s Happening:
- The more than 1,000-foot-long ocean liner, which was sold to Okaloosa County, Florida, last October, is set to begin its journey this weekend.
- Preparations start Thursday at 6 a.m., when the ship will be repositioned from Pier 82 to a nearby dock.
- On Saturday, multiple tugboats will guide the historic vessel down the Delaware River and into the Atlantic Ocean.
What’s Next:
- The ship will travel along the East Coast to Mobile, Alabama, where preparations will be made to sink it off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
- Okaloosa County has also pledged to create a land-based museum and immersive experience, preserving the ship’s incredible legacy.
A Look Back:
Launched in 1952, the SS United States was a symbol of American engineering and naval strength. It served as a luxury ocean liner and a reserve military vessel, capable of transporting thousands of troops.
On its record-breaking maiden voyage, it shattered the transatlantic speed record, reaching an average of 36 knots (41 mph) and crossing the Atlantic in just over three days—a record that still stands today.
After being decommissioned in 1969, the ship remained docked in Philadelphia, where preservation efforts ultimately gave way to its new role in marine conservation.
Though this marks the final voyage for the SS United States, its legacy will live on—both underwater as an artificial reef and on land through a dedicated museum.
