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SS United States Philadelphia departure delayed due to Coast Guard requirements

The historic ocean liner's planned move from Pier 82 to Pier 80, scheduled for February 6, has been postponed while additional details requested by the U.S. Coast Guard are addressed.

Jared Williams

Okaloosa County officials announced today that the planned relocation of the SS United States from Philadelphia has been delayed due to additional requirements from the U.S. Coast Guard.

The delay affects both the ship’s planned pier transition and its subsequent departure from Philadelphia, which was originally scheduled for February 8. Officials have not announced a new departure date.

The Coast Guard has requested follow-up details to ensure a proper tow between Philadelphia’s Pier 82 and Pier 80, according to county officials.

Despite the setback, Okaloosa County confirmed its commitment to the project, which aims to create the world’s largest artificial reef. The county continues to work with the SS United States Conservancy on plans for a land-based museum to preserve the vessel’s history.

The 990-foot former ocean liner has been docked in Philadelphia since 1996. When deployed as an artificial reef, it will surpass the 888-foot USS Oriskany off Pensacola as the world’s largest.

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Rob commented on SS United States to depart Philadelphia on journey to become World’s Largest Artificial Reef

“stop littering in the Gulf of America”

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Anonymous commented on Okaloosa seeks to operate, upgrade Eglin Beach Park into year-round public recreation spot

“I can’t imagine Eglin will allow this. I sure hope this is just wishful thinking. This would completely ruin this lovely beach and I’m sorry but we military/veterans served and...”

Troy commented on Okaloosa seeks to operate, upgrade Eglin Beach Park into year-round public recreation spot

“How about you join the military and do something for your country?”

Danny Dillard commented on Okaloosa seeks to operate, upgrade Eglin Beach Park into year-round public recreation spot

“This parcel needs to remain as a military asset.”

Renate commented on Okaloosa seeks to operate, upgrade Eglin Beach Park into year-round public recreation spot

“Don’t do this!! Keep this property for the military. The public will trash it just like they did at the foot of the Destin bridge and the military closed it...”

Ryan commented on Okaloosa seeks to operate, upgrade Eglin Beach Park into year-round public recreation spot

“DO NOT DO THIS! The Eglin Beach park is one of the few areas in Destin that has not been overrun with tourist. This has been one of my family's...”

Lynda commented on Okaloosa seeks to operate, upgrade Eglin Beach Park into year-round public recreation spot

“Absolutely not .. let the military keep the land so the military families can enjoy a private area to themselves! When I first moved here there was a NCO beach...”

Kirby R. Locklear commented on Okaloosa seeks to operate, upgrade Eglin Beach Park into year-round public recreation spot

“Can we just leave well enough alone. I have been here since 1980 and this has always been a beach for military families. First the NCO Beach Club then open...”

Maureen commented on Okaloosa seeks to operate, upgrade Eglin Beach Park into year-round public recreation spot

“ABSOLUTELY NOT! There doesn’t need to be another beach ruined by putting condos, water sport rentals, trash and selfish people tearing the environment up! There’s a reason the base Commander...”

JK commented on Okaloosa seeks to operate, upgrade Eglin Beach Park into year-round public recreation spot

“Yes, keep it for the military. I have no problem with that at all. As long as the project is funded with revenue from tourist development and not ‘general funds’...”

SS United States Philadelphia departure delayed due to Coast Guard requirements

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