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MOBILE, AL – The SS United States completed her journey to Mobile, Alabama, on Monday, March 3, after being towed approximately 1,800 miles from Philadelphia. The retired ocean liner, once the fastest in the world, is being prepared for deployment as an artificial reef off the coast of Florida’s Okaloosa County near Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The project will also include a museum and visitor center dedicated to preserving the ship’s legacy.
The ship’s arrival marks the conclusion of her 401st voyage. According to the SS United States Conservancy, which has worked to preserve the vessel, she traveled faster than anticipated and drew crowds of spectators along the East Coast as she moved through the water for the first time in 28 years.
“In the spirit of her record-breaking history, America’s Flagship concluded her journey from Philadelphia to Mobile faster than anticipated,” said Susan Gibbs, president of the SS United States Conservancy. “Now, as she prepares for her next chapter, the SS United States Conservancy, together with Florida’s Okaloosa County, will advance the design and development of a dynamic and immersive museum and visitor’s center that will celebrate the ship’s place in American history.”
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The oceangoing tugboat Vinik #6, under the command of Captain Mike Vinik, transported the vessel to Mobile, where she will undergo preparations before being placed on the seafloor as the “World’s Largest Artificial Reef.” The reef project, intended to create a new marine habitat and diving destination, will be the first of its kind to include a land-based museum component.
Okaloosa County officials confirmed they will continue working with the Conservancy to develop the museum in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The facility will preserve the history of the SS United States and educate visitors on its significance in American maritime history.
Readers can find updates on the project and historical information about the SS United States on the Conservancy’s website at www.ssusc.org. Additional details on Okaloosa County’s artificial reef program are available at https://www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/artificial-reefs/.
