SS United States Embarks on Final Voyage to Become World's Largest Artificial Reef

The historic ocean liner, once a marvel of American engineering and luxury, is being towed to Florida's Gulf Coast after decades of disrepair.

The SS United States, the fastest ocean liner ever built, departed Philadelphia on February 19, 2025, marking the start of its final journey to the Gulf of Mexico.
The ship will be prepared in Mobile, Alabama, for over a year to remove hazardous materials before being sunk off the Florida Panhandle to create an artificial reef.
Built in 1952, the 1,000-foot vessel broke transatlantic speed records and transported notable figures, including U.S. presidents, celebrities, and the Mona Lisa, during its service years.
After being decommissioned in 1969, the ship spent decades in Philadelphia, where preservation efforts failed to secure a sustainable future for the vessel.
Okaloosa County, Florida, plans to honor the ship's legacy with a land-based museum featuring artifacts and elements from the vessel, such as its iconic funnels.