Okaloosa County has moved up the deployment of the SS United States as the world’s largest artificial reef to Wednesday, Nov. 11, because of forecast heavy winds and unsafe weather conditions Thursday, the county announced. Deployment operations will begin at 1 p.m.
- The deployment had been scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12. The sendoff ceremony that was set for 1:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center has been canceled.
“Safety is always a top priority in Okaloosa County,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “There is simply no reason to take an unnecessary risk when adjusting the schedule will allow us to carry out this historic deployment safely and smoothly.”
Goodwin said the change in plans also gave the occasion a meaningful date, since the deployment will now take place on Veterans Day.
“On Veterans Day, as we honor the men and women who served our nation, we will also honor the legacy of the SS United States, a magnificent ship that proudly bears the name of the country they so bravely defended,” Goodwin said.
Watch party moved to noon
A live viewing party will be held at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar in Destin beginning at noon Nov. 11. A live feed from the deployment site will be shown on the restaurant’s large outdoor screen.
The county said the live viewing link will be shared on thessus.com before the deployment.
Viewing from the water
According to the county, the deployment could draw hundreds of vessels. Okaloosa County is working with its safety and security partners for a safe and efficient deployment, and bystanders are expected to follow guidance from the safety boats at the deployment site.
The proposed deployment location is 30° 07.148′ N, 86° 46.755′ W, in the Gulf about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
The SS United States artificial reef project was fully funded by tourism revenue and multiple partner contributions, according to the county.
More information
- The ship’s history: ssusc.org
- A 3D model of the ship: destinfwb.com 3D models
- A summary of the completed remediation of the ship: SSUS remediation updates
