After a brief delay, America’s fastest ocean liner is now scheduled to begin its historic final journey next week, marking the start of its transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef.

• Okaloosa County officials announced today that the SS United States will begin its departure from Philadelphia on February 17, following a short move between piers later this week. The announcement comes after an earlier postponement to address additional U.S. Coast Guard requirements for the towing operation.

The 990-foot vessel will first relocate from Pier 82 to Pier 80 during high tide on Friday, February 14, at 2:47 p.m. The ship will then begin its journey down the Delaware River on Monday, February 17, timing its departure with the low tide at 11:18 a.m.

The two-week journey to Mobile, Alabama, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the historic liner, which has been docked in Philadelphia since 1996.

• In Mobile, contractors will spend approximately 12 months preparing the vessel for its new role as an artificial reef, removing hazardous materials and making modifications to ensure it will rest upright on the seafloor.

“As the World’s Largest Artificial Reef, the story of the SS United States will be told to thousands of divers from around the world as they explore her unique design and features,” said county officials. The ship will be deployed approximately 20 nautical miles south of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area, surpassing the USS Oriskany, an 888-foot aircraft carrier sunk off Pensacola in 2006, as the world’s largest artificial reef.

The project aims to create a thriving marine habitat while preserving the legacy of this historic vessel, which still holds the transatlantic speed record set during its maiden voyage in 1952.

• The ship’s conversion is expected to attract diverse marine life, from red snapper to wahoo, creating new opportunities for both fishing and diving activities in the region.

To maintain the ship’s historical significance, Okaloosa County will partner with the SS United States Conservancy to develop a land-based museum. The museum will feature iconic components salvaged from the ship, including its distinctive funnels and radar mast, along with the Conservancy’s extensive collection of artifacts and archives.

The public can follow the ship’s journey through GPS tracking available on the Destin-Fort Walton Beach website once the movement operations begin.