SS United States to be sunk early due to weather conditions
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SS United States, a historic ocean liner that has been docked in Mobile for more than 18 months, is set to be sunk this week.
The schedule has been moved up a few days due to this weekend’s expected weather conditions off the coast. Now, final preparations are being made to sink the ship Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Once it sinks, it will become the world’s largest artificial reef, surpassing former aircraft carrier USS Oriskany.
The ship will sit about 180 feet to the bottom and about 55 feet to the upper deck and roughly 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
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.
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