The iconic SS United States, a nearly 1,000-foot (305-meter) vessel renowned for its trans-Atlantic speed record in 1952, is undergoing extensive preparation to become the world’s largest artificial reef. Its final destination will be off Florida’s Gulf Coast, though the exact location has sparked fierce debate among local diving businesses and even a lawsuit.

At the Port of Mobile in Alabama, workers are meticulously scouring the ship, removing chemicals, wiring, plastic, and glass, along with cleaning all 120 fuel tanks. “Vessels built in the ’50s have a lot of nasties,” explained Alex Fogg, Okaloosa County’s coastal resource manager. “When ready, the ship will consist solely of steel and aluminum.”

Once deployed, the SS United States will join Okaloosa County’s collection of over 500 artificial reefs, which includes smaller shipwrecks. Officials aim to boost tourism by attracting divers and anglers, generate millions in annual revenue for local businesses, and create critical habitats for marine life.

“The goal is to become Florida’s premier dive destination, surpassing even the Florida Keys,” Fogg said. He added that the ship will be sunk at one of three permitted sites just over 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers) from Destin, Florida. Its towering structure will extend from the sea floor at 180 feet (55 meters) to just 60 feet (18 meters) below the surface, accommodating divers of all skill levels.

Bay County has offered $3 million to sink the vessel closer to Panama City Beach, citing its robust dive boat fleet and historical ties to underwater exploration. Escambia County, meanwhile, has pledged $1 million to position the ship near Pensacola, enhancing proximity to another dive site, the USS Oriskany.

The SS United States arrived in Alabama in March after being towed from Philadelphia, where it had languished for nearly three decades. Okaloosa County gained ownership after resolving a long-standing rent dispute. While several restoration efforts over the years faltered due to costs, recent attention has reignited calls to preserve the ship’s legacy, including a lawsuit by the New York Coalition seeking to block its sinking.

Opponents argue the historic vessel deserves preservation on land, but Fogg contends that scrapping the ship would erase its legacy. A portion of the $10.1 million project budget has been allocated for a museum honoring the SS United States.

“More people will visit the reef within a month than have seen the ship in the past 30 years,” Fogg noted. The vessel, over 100 feet (30 meters) longer than the Titanic, remains a testament to American engineering and military innovation. Its record-breaking maiden voyage in 1952 secured its place in history, a feat yet to be surpassed.

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(Image credit: AP)

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