The historic ocean liner SS United States may soon become the world’s largest artificial reef as part of a new initiative announced by the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners and the SS United States Conservancy.
The project aims to transform the iconic ship into a marine habitat, supporting local tourism and environmental efforts in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The deal, which awaits the resolution of a US District Court-imposed mediation, would also establish a new land-based museum dedicated to preserving the vessel’s history and engaging visitors through an educational experience.
Launched in 1951, the SS United States was a marvel of maritime engineering and design, breaking the transatlantic speed record on her maiden voyage while using only two-thirds of her power, a record she still holds to this day. The ship served as a symbol of American pride and technological achievement, transporting thousands of passengers, including presidents, celebrities, and military personnel, until 1969 when the rise of air travel led to her retirement.
Among her notable passengers were four U.S. Presidents, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Clinton, as well as Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney, and Judy Garland.
Designed during the Cold War era as a convertible troop carrier, SS United States could transport 14,000 troops over 10,000 miles without refuelling, showcasing her versatility and strategic value. For decades, the SS United States Conservancy has fought to keep the ship afloat, purchasing the vessel in 2011 to preserve her as a testament to American maritime history.
The proposed agreement with Okaloosa County would see the ship moved from its current berth in Philadelphia to the waters off Destin-Fort Walton Beach, where it would be deployed as an artificial reef.
At nearly 1,000ft long, the SS United States would become a significant underwater habitat for marine life and a destination for divers and anglers around the world. This addition would bolster the area’s already extensive artificial reef program, which is one of the largest and most active in the United States.
The estimated cost for acquiring, remediating, transporting, and deploying the ship is approximately $10.1 million. This allocation also includes partial funding for the establishment of the proposed land-based museum, which will serve as a complementary attraction for both tourists and locals.
This facility will feature interactive exhibits and preserved artefacts from the ship, including the vessel’s radar mast and one of its signature funnels, allowing visitors to experience the SS United States’ history firsthand.
Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the region’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and community enhancement. “Our artificial reef system has shown impressive growth through the years, and this accomplishment confirms our dedication to maintaining Destin-Fort Walton Beach as a premier diving and fishing destination,” Mixon stated.
For the SS United States Conservancy, the project represents a significant shift in strategy. The organisation has spent more than a decade seeking to redevelop the ship as a floating mixed-use destination, but a recent court order requiring the vessel’s relocation has made the reef project a viable alternative.
“Converting the world’s fastest ship into the world’s largest artificial reef will write a new chapter for the SS United States,” stated Susan Gibbs, the Conservancy’s president. “This endeavour will transform the ship into a unique historic attraction both above and below the waterline.”
The land-based museum, envisioned as an innovative learning centre, will provide the public with an in-depth look at the ship’s history and its impact on American culture and technology. It will feature artefacts from the Conservancy’s extensive collection and utilize advanced technology to create immersive experiences for visitors of all ages. The museum will ensure that the legacy of the SS United States continues to inspire and educate future generations.
The entire project, once the agreement is finalised, will require extensive planning and preparation. It will take more than a year to complete the necessary environmental remediation and another six months to a year to deploy the ship to its final resting place.
The precise offshore location has yet to be determined, but it will be set at a depth suitable for divers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced technical divers.
As a nonprofit organization, the SS United States Conservancy remains dedicated to preserving and promoting the ship’s legacy. This new venture in partnership with Okaloosa County will transform the SS United States into not just an artificial reef, but a living monument to American maritime excellence, ensuring her story continues to captivate and educate for decades to come.
