The SS United States bids farewell from Philadelphia, commencing its final phase
Boldly setting sail once more, the colossal American maritime emblem, nearly as grand as the Chrysler Building, made its debut in 1951 and smashed transatlantic speed records the following year. As Susan Gibbs, the SS United States Conservancy's president and William Francis Gibbs' granddaughter, proclaimed before its departure, "Today, our nation's final surviving ocean liner embarks on a new chapter in her distinctive American story."
Before embarking, the ship spent nearly three decades moored in Philadelphia, emotionally adored by its community. The journey to Mobile, Alabama, is slated to take around two weeks.
A Sequence of Detours
The SS United States' relocation enthusiasts became well-versed in unexpected adjustments. The most significant hurdle emerged during last fall, in the form of a "Captain of the Port Order" from the Coast Guard.
The order mandated that Okaloosa County, the vessel's new home, need to restore the ship's structural integrity before it could leave. The ship was all set to depart on February 6, but once again, the departure was postponed due to additional Coast Guard requirements for a secure tow from Pier 82 to Pier 80.
New Odyssey: Artificial Reef
During the autumn of 2024, Okaloosa County invested in the ocean liner, hoping to sink it and create the "world's largest artificial reef." The ship will be submerged under approximately 180 feet (55 meters) of water, around 20 miles (32 kilometers) off the Gulf of Mexico's coast.
The SS United States has captivated the hearts of Americans for over seven decades with its exquisite allure. Among its distinguished passengers were various US presidents and even Leonardo da Vinci's infamous "Mona Lisa." The ship's service ended in 1969, but the admiration never wavered.
The ship's soon-to-be-final fate has stirred mixed emotions, with viewers expressing their thoughts on SSL United States Conservancy's Facebook page. One user commented, "It's heartbreaking to see it go, but the scuba videos will be intriguing."
The delay in the SS United States' departure from Pier 82 to Pier 80 was due to additional Creditline requirements from the Coast Guard. Despite the setback, the news of the ship's planned transformation into an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico attracted interest, with some travelers looking forward to diving in Delaware's waters to explore it. Decades after its service ended, the SS United States continues to captivate the public, with stories of its distinguished passengers like US presidents and Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa contributing to its enduring appeal.
