Coastal Resources

SS United States leaves Philadelphia, begins journey to become artificial reef

Historic ocean liner departs Philadelphia for Mobile to undergo yearlong preparation before deployment off Destin-Fort Walton Beach as world's largest artificial reef.

Jared Williams

Add Get The Coast on Google

The SS United States left Philadelphia Wednesday after nearly 30 years, beginning a two-week journey to Mobile, Ala., where it will be prepared for deployment as an artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

Contractors in Mobile will spend about 12 months removing hazardous materials and making modifications to ensure the 990-foot vessel will rest upright on the seafloor when deployed.

Officials plan to place the ship about 20 nautical miles south of Okaloosa, though the exact location has not been determined.

The project aims to create new marine habitats that will attract various species, from red snapper to wahoo, while providing opportunities for fishing and diving operations.

Okaloosa County will partner with the SS United States Conservancy to develop a land-based museum in Destin-Fort Walton Beach to commemorate the historic vessel.

The public can track the ship’s journey to Mobile through GPS monitoring on the Destin-Fort Walton Beach website.

Watch

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Coastal Resources

Okaloosa County partners with Panama City Beach on new 224-foot artificial reef

Coastal Resources

Guy Harvey Foundation partners with Destin-Fort Walton Beach to send thousands of invasive lionfish to classrooms nationwide

News

Two Navy divers to be honored with 3,000-pound memorial reefs off Destin coast

Coastal Resources

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

Hughes Curtis commented on Cynthia West moves campaign to District 5, will face Hinely for Okaloosa School Board seat

“My humble opinion is that we need the steady logical input from Brett Hinley for Okaloosa school board district 5. He’s a native of Niceville, went to school here and...”

Respond

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: July 30, 2026

“2:34, 6 attempts”

Marcia commented on Iconic Sea Oats Motel in Destin acquired, to undergo renovations

“How wonderful it would be if you left it 'old school' - a slice of Old Florida Experience. I'm fearful that what Hgifford says might be the future.”

Helen Rigdon commented on Dr. Diane Kelley retires after more than 45 years in Okaloosa County education

“Dr. Diane, I have been on the sidelines of your career for many years . You are an inspiration for women in many careers. Offering you many well wishes for...”

LC Hough commented on Driver found guilty of DUI manslaughter in crash that killed Fort Walton Beach lab tech

“They need to hang that SOB”

Anna Peele commented on Driver found guilty of DUI manslaughter in crash that killed Fort Walton Beach lab tech

“I miss Demetriu’s friendly face and lively personality at the Magnolia Clinic. Every time I drive through the intersection where the accident happened I just say a prayer for Demetrius...”

Hgifford commented on Iconic Sea Oats Motel in Destin acquired, to undergo renovations

“I hope the motel will be renovated, but having lived here since 1955, I have seen this before: keep the locals happy by saying renovate. But, in reality, it will...”

wendy rudman commented on Driver found guilty of DUI manslaughter in crash that killed Fort Walton Beach lab tech

“Demetrius's absence is still deeply felt by the patients of the clinic where he worked for many years.”

LYNDA WATKINS commented on Driver found guilty of DUI manslaughter in crash that killed Fort Walton Beach lab tech

“This was such devastating news the day we lost Demetrius! He was so loved by so many in the community! Gone but never forgotten ! This guy should get life...”

Teri Reeves commented on Driver found guilty of DUI manslaughter in crash that killed Fort Walton Beach lab tech

“Dimitrius was a very loved person by so many citizens of Ft. Walton Beach. He will never be replaced. He is dearly missed by so many.”