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STORY UPDATE: According to Okaloosa County Public Information Officer Nick Tomecek, another delay has beset the move of the SS United States from Philadelphia to Mobile.
“Plans to move the SS United States from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Mobile, Alabama have been delayed due to follow-up details requested by the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure a proper tow from Pier 82 to Pier 80. Because of the delay of the pier transition, the departure tow out of Philadelphia originally planned for Feb. 8, 2025 has been delayed. A new date has not been set for departure,” Tomecek said in an email, “We understand the frustration for those who made plans surrounding this momentous event and appreciate your patience.”
We look forward to continuing our goals to deploy the SSUS as the World’s Largest Artifical Reef in conjunction with the SSUS Conservancy for a land-based museum to preserve the unique history of America’s Flagship.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The SS United States, once known as “America’s Flagship,” is set to depart from its current dock in Philadelphia on February 8, 2025. This is the first step in its transition into the world’s largest artificial reef. The move is part of an initiative led by Okaloosa County’s Tourist Development Department in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
The relocation process will begin on February 6 at 6 a.m. with a lateral move from Pier 82 to Pier 80. The ship is scheduled to leave Philadelphia at 4 a.m. on February 8. If visibility conditions are poor, the move will be delayed until the next low tide. Multiple tugboats will escort the vessel down the Delaware River and into the Atlantic Ocean. The public can track its journey in real-time via GPS at www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/ssus.
Upon arrival in Mobile, Alabama, in approximately two weeks, contractors will prepare the ship for its final deployment by removing hazardous materials, including non-metal components and fuel. Workers will also make modifications to ensure the vessel lands upright when submerged. This process will take about a year, according to projections.
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While the final location for deployment has not yet been determined, current plans expect it to be roughly 20 nautical miles south of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area. Once submerged, the SS United States will serve as a marine habitat, attracting various fish species and benefiting the local diving and fishing industries.
Throughout this process, Okaloosa County will collaborate with the SS United States Conservancy to develop a land-based museum in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The museum will feature artifacts from the ship, including its funnels and radar mast, preserving its legacy.
For more information on the SS United States’ history, visit www.ssusc.org. Readers can find additional details on Okaloosa County’s artificial reef program at www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/artificial-reefs.
