Reviewed by: Ella Walton
SS United States leaving Mobile soon to become largest artificial reef in November
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The SS United States, a historic ocean liner that has been in Mobile for more than a year and a half, is nearing its final voyage.
Okaloosa County, Florida, announced the ship’s deployment as an artificial reef is planned for the second week of November 2026, but weather could change the date. Once it sinks, it will be the world’s largest artificial reef, surpassing former aircraft carrier USS Oriskany.
When and where the SS United States will be deployed
- Timeline: Second week of November, weather permitting
- Location: About 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida
- Depth: The county has proposed about 180 feet to the bottom and about 55 feet to the upper deck
- Final schedule: Okaloosa County and the SS United States Conservancy said more details are coming soon, including events and ways the public can take part in person and online
SS United States in Mobile: Remediation + preparation
The ship arrived in Mobile in March 2025 after leaving Philadelphia the month before. Crews have spent the time removing materials that could harm the environment, including non-metal items, wiring and fuel. They are also cutting holes so it lands upright and opening passages for marine life.
The county said the work follows EPA and Maritime Administration guidelines for preparing vessels to become reefs. Final approvals from the Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA were required before a deployment date could be set.
The ship is not open to the public, but it can be viewed from the public street next to its berth at 601 South Royal Street. Surrounding private property is off-limits.
History of the SS United States
Launched in 1951, the SS United States still holds the record as the fastest ocean liner — it has a top recorded speed of 38.32 knots, which is about 44 miles per hour or 70 kilometers per hour, according to the SS United States Conservancy.
It made its maiden voyage in 1952 and carried presidents, dignitaries and celebrities across the Atlantic for 17 years before retiring in 1969. It was docked in Philadelphia from 1996 until its move south.
Okaloosa County bought the ship in 2024 to keep it from being scrapped. The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners allocated $13 million to the project, which covers the purchase, towing, remediation and support for a land-based museum. The county said the money comes from tourism bed taxes rather than general fund revenue.
SS United States museum planned in Destin-Fort Walton Beach
The SS United States Conservancy is working with the county on a museum near the embarkation points for future diving tours. It will hold the ship’s funnels, radar mast, stem anchor and other pieces, and will focus on its mid-century design and record-breaking engineering.
