SS United States arrives safely in Mobile, Alabama for conversion following two-week tow

SS United States has arrived safely in Mobile, Alabama following a 1,800-nautical mile journey under tow from Philadelphia, where the former ocean liner had spent almost three decades in cold layup. 

In Mobile, SS United States will be stripped of asbestos and other toxins in preparation for being sunk and turned into the largest artificial reef in the world.

Built in 1952, SS United States is a symbol of America’s maritime heritage, renowned for its record-breaking speed, innovative design, and storied service as a transatlantic liner.

She will be sunk in the Gulf of Mexico to become the world’s largest artificial reef for Okaloosa County and Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

“We are proud to continue the story of this historic vessel as an artificial reef along with the land-based museum,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon.

“I applaud the Destin-Fort Walton Beach team in their efforts to succeed in this important next step and look forward to the immense impact she will continue to have on the lives of those who appreciate her history,” he added.

SS United States served as a transatlantic liner from 1952 to 1969, holding the Blue Riband for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic. Built for both commercial and military use, the ship was later retired due to declining ocean travel.

When she was retired from service in 1969, SS United States had made 800 transatlantic crossings, steamed more than 2.7 million nautical miles, and carried more than 1 million passengers.

SS United States changed ownership multiple times, with various plans for reuse failing. Stripped of interiors in the 1980s, it was laid up in Virginia before being towed to Philadelphia in 1996.

Desite multiple redevelopment attempts, she remained in cold layup in Philadelphia until February this year, when she put to sea for the first time in almost 30 years, albeit under tow.

According to Okaloosa County, preparation work to make the ship environmentally safe is expected to take about six to 12 months and will be carried out in close collaboration with multiple environmental agencies, including the Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency.

“To ensure an efficient, safe and quality deployment, holes will be strategically cut around the ship to ensure she lands upright as she is submerged. Passages will also be opened allowing for marine life to thrive in and around the ship,” Okaloosa County said in a statement.