Coastal Resources

Departure of SS United States from Philly to Alabama delayed

Tropical disturbance in Gulf of Mexico and coordination of multiple agencies prompt Okaloosa County to postpone historic ocean liner's planned November 15 move to Mobile, Alabama.

Jared Williams

The SS United States’ departure from its Philadelphia berth has been postponed due to weather concerns and logistical challenges, Okaloosa County officials announced Tuesday.

The historic ocean liner was scheduled to leave Pier 82 on November 15, but officials are monitoring a tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico that could affect the vessel’s safe delivery to Mobile, Alabama.

“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,” county officials said in a press release.

No new departure date has been officially set for the 990-foot vessel.

The delay affects the first phase of transforming America’s fastest ocean liner into what will become the world’s largest artificial reef. Once in Mobile, the vessel will undergo a 12-month preparation process, including removal of hazardous materials, non-metal parts, and fuel to ensure environmentally safe deployment. Workers will also modify the ship to ensure it lands upright underwater.

Plans still call for the vessel to be placed approximately 20 miles south of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area, though an exact location hasn’t been determined.

As part of the overall project, Okaloosa County will partner with the SS United States Conservancy to develop a land-based museum and visitor center in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The museum will incorporate signature features from America’s Flagship, including its iconic funnels and radar mast, along with the Conservancy’s extensive curatorial and archival collection to commemorate the vessel’s storied history.

The public can follow the ship’s journey via GPS tracking at www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/ssus.

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Carol re commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting

“I agree with Jerome. What will this accomplish since both ends are only 4 lanes?”

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Fred commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting

“The parking lot at McGuires would disappear along with the parcel that Destin purchased at the bridge.. Flooding on Okaloosa Island would close an expensive update to 98 , at...”

Bruce Johnson commented on FDOT renderings show proposed changes to Highway 98 across Okaloosa Island

“This will not make a difference for traffic passing through the center of Destin along Rt. 98. The smart option is to complete the Brooks Bridge and intersection in Ft...”

Ray Sullivan commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting

“Doesn’t it still end up with 4 lanes on either end after bridges? Seems more aesthetic than a traffic plan. Which is nice too but does it increase the function?”

LC commented on SS United States to begin final journey from Philadelphia to become the world’s largest artificial reef

“It would be a money pit let’s sink it for the tourists who we don’t have enough of so more will come”

Jerome Karnowski commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting

“Traffic moves pretty well on that stretch of 98, I don't see the need to waste the money. Maybe do something to deal with the traffic in Destin, and Mary...”

David Freni commented on Eglin Federal Credit Union announces 100,000 sqft Operations Center in Fort Walton Beach

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Mark Forrette commented on SS United States to begin final journey from Philadelphia to become the world’s largest artificial reef

“Yeah like Trump and Musk could give a flying Philadelphia Phelch about this historic ship! Much better for it to be a museum. Loved the comment how Trump and Musk...”

Yogibear commented on SS United States to begin final journey from Philadelphia to become the world’s largest artificial reef

“As a truck driver who used to haul for a customer in the area where the SS United States is berthed, I would see her on my way back up...”

R. Duke commented on SS United States to begin final journey from Philadelphia to become the world’s largest artificial reef

“All ships eventually go to scrap, the bottom, or rust away to nothing. Our beloved museum ships are no different, they've just gotten a temporary reprieve. Even if she were...”