Coastal Resources

SS United States aft funnel removed as artificial reef preparations continue

The second 65-foot funnel was removed last Friday from the historic ocean liner in Mobile, Alabama.

Jared Williams

The aft funnel aboard the SS United States was removed last Friday in Mobile, Alabama, as another major step in preparing the vessel to become the world’s largest artificial reef, according to Okaloosa County.

The towering funnels, each standing 65 feet tall and as tall as a six-story building, were removed last week. The remaining propeller was also removed last Friday and loaded on the same barge as the aft funnel.

These items are among many others being preserved to be incorporated in the SS United States Conservancy’s land-based museum.

All of the fuel aboard the vessel has been removed and the tanks are being steam cleaned. A substantial amount of wiring still needs to be removed, according to the county.

“These steps are being taken to ensure an environmentally safe deployment of the vessel as an artificial reef, which is expected to take place in late 2025,” the county said on Friday.

The 990-foot historic ocean liner is being prepared for deployment off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Once deployed, it will surpass the current record holder as the world’s largest artificial reef.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Coastal Resources

Destin-Fort Walton Beach partners with Yamaha Rightwaters on environmental stewardship

Coastal Resources

From day one: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution launching long-term study on SS United States artificial reef ecosystem

Coastal Resources

Okaloosa County approves dive safety partnership with Divers Alert Network ahead of SS United States deployment

Coastal Resources

Okaloosa, NWFSC collaborate to produce commemorative SS United States coins from ship’s salvaged aluminum

William Bryan Davison commented on Four men, shovels, and a storm: The accidental birth of Destin’s East Pass in 1929

“AFB shouldn't be in control of it anyway. Its a national seashore. Now they have the whole shoreline blocked off with US Air Force Property signs. It was the best...”

Respond

David Clausen commented on Destin City Council votes 4-3 to consider drone show over fireworks for July 4th, citing shorebird protections

“Many years ago (before all of Destin's development) birds used to nest here. They haven't returned until last year and this year when the new Destin park provided a protected...”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: May 29, 2026

“5:28, 6 attempts. Ouch!”

Robert Denker commented on Airman honored for intervening in Holmes Boulevard dog attack in Fort Walton Beach

“We need more details about the attack. Exactly where on Holmes that it happened? What time? Were they local neighborhood dogs or were they strays? What has happened to the...”

Josejustmaycan Garcia commented on Air Force selects American Dunes Foundation to lease Eglin golf course

“Easy does it, G! No need to work yourself into a heart attack!”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: May 28, 2026

“0:32, 3 attempts. Incredibly lucky, again!”

Diane Gibson commented on Crews begin drainage work near Cinco Bayou as Eglin Parkway resurfacing project moves forward

“Resurfacing is great, thank you to the DOT for this activity. Whoever has jurisdiction over the lane and intersection paints used after resurfacing would do well to use high quality...”

Meredith Okaloosa Island commented on Sen. Rick Scott joins local officials in Destin to kick off hurricane preparedness push

“teach us how to steal from Medicare and Medicaid, Rick Scott, you’re the expert!!”

Lisa Norton commented on ‘Silver Tsunami’: Realtor Lisa Norton helps local families think through aging in place and downsizing

“Cara, I am so sad to hear what happened to your father-in-law. I certainly do understand the mix of emotions going on when coming to the decision to sell the...”

Jim McSwain commented on Sen. Rick Scott joins local officials in Destin to kick off hurricane preparedness push

“They managed to avoid the ELEPHANT in the room. The inadequacies of our evacuation plan and infrastructure. If Michael had zigged we would likely have had a significant loss of...”