Okaloosa County announced today that all necessary safety requirements have been met to relocate the legendary vessel from its long-time berth in Philadelphia to Mobile, Alabama. 

• The historic move will begin with a short transfer to Pier 80 on February 6, followed by the ship’s departure down the Delaware River early Saturday morning. She will be chaperoned by multiple tug boats as she makes her way down the Delaware River and into the Atlantic Ocean.

The 990-foot vessel, which has called Philadelphia home since 1996, will undergo approximately 12 months of preparation in Mobile before its ultimate deployment as an artificial reef approximately 20 nautical miles south of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.

• The extensive preparation process includes the removal of hazardous materials and modifications to ensure the ship will rest upright on the seafloor.

When deployed, the SS United States will surpass 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 new marine habitats while preserving the legacy of this historic vessel, which still holds the transatlantic speed record set during its maiden voyage in 1952.

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

• The journey to Mobile is expected to take approximately two weeks, with multiple tugboats escorting the vessel along its route through the Delaware River and into the Atlantic Ocean. The public can follow the ship’s progress through GPS tracking available on the Destin-Fort Walton Beach website.

This development marks a new chapter for the vessel, which has faced numerous challenges since its retirement from active service in 1969. The ship, known as “America’s Flagship,” carried four U.S. presidents and countless celebrities during its service life, while maintaining the capability to be converted into a troop transport capable of carrying 14,000 military personnel.

Once deployed, the artificial reef is expected to attract diverse marine life, from red snapper to wahoo, creating new opportunities for both fishing and diving activities in the region.

The project represents a unique combination of historic preservation and environmental conservation, ensuring that the SS United States will continue to serve a valuable purpose while preserving its remarkable legacy for future generations.