Operations to move the SS United States (SSUS) have been delayed to ensure logistical details and procedures maintain ideal conditions for the move. Okaloosa County is also monitoring a tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico that could impede safe delivery of the vessel to its destination in Mobile, Alabama.
The vessel was originally scheduled to depart Philadelphia on Nov. 15, 2024 at low tide. A new date has not been set.
The County understands that there is considerable interest in the SS United States and her move from Pier 82 and that plans have been made by interested parties. Like most large, multi-faceted operations, this move involves coordination with multiple agencies and dates, times, and other logistics are subject to change to make certain the vessel is moved safely.
The SS United States, once moved, will travel via multiple tugboats to Mobile, Alabama and begin its change into an artificial reef as contractors remove hazardous material, including non-metal parts and fuel to ensure this deployment is clean and not harmful to the environment it aims to benefit. Modifications will also be made to ensure that when the vessel is deployed, it will land upright underwater. The process of preparing the vessel for deployment will take approximately 12 months.
The exact location in the Gulf of Mexico for the vessel’s deployment has not been set but it is expected to be about 20 miles south of the Florida Panhandle region in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.
Okaloosa County will continue to partner with the SS United States Conservancy as it pivots to develop a land-based museum and visitor center in Destin-Fort Walton Beach that will celebrate and commemorate our nation’s flagship. The County will provide the Conservancy with regular ship updates and will support the Conservancy’s museum plans which will incorporate features from the ship, including the iconic funnels, radar mast, and other signature components, as well as the Conservancy’s extensive curatorial and archival collection. This will preserve the SS United States’ storied history and the memories that she has created for so many people over the years. Information about the history of the SS United States can be found on the Conservancy’s website at www.ssusc.org.
Learn more about Okaloosa County’s artificial reef program at https://www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/artificial-reefs/.
