Coastal Resources

SS United States leaves Philadelphia, begins journey to become artificial reef

Historic ocean liner departs Philadelphia for Mobile to undergo yearlong preparation before deployment off Destin-Fort Walton Beach as world's largest artificial reef.

Jared Williams

The SS United States left Philadelphia Wednesday after nearly 30 years, beginning a two-week journey to Mobile, Ala., where it will be prepared for deployment as an artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

Contractors in Mobile will spend about 12 months removing hazardous materials and making modifications to ensure the 990-foot vessel will rest upright on the seafloor when deployed.

Officials plan to place the ship about 20 nautical miles south of Okaloosa, though the exact location has not been determined.

The project aims to create new marine habitats that will attract various species, from red snapper to wahoo, while providing opportunities for fishing and diving operations.

Okaloosa County will partner with the SS United States Conservancy to develop a land-based museum in Destin-Fort Walton Beach to commemorate the historic vessel.

The public can track the ship’s journey to Mobile through GPS monitoring on the Destin-Fort Walton Beach website.

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Dave commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“This article is obviously written by someone with 0 knowledge of the area. The erosion happening now is because " The Wall," as anyone that's been here since the 70's...”

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Laura Y commented on Beach enrichment project underway on Okaloosa Island to help accumulate sand

“How are peoplele going to swim when there are nets every few feet??”

Nita commented on Destin City Council hears presentation on phase two of HarborWalk Village

“I'm looking at this paragraph and thinking, why would city officials allow a DO in 2009 to be vested for 22 years? Wouldn't you think they'd realize the traffic increases...”

M C commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Typical government overreach.”

Joseph D Bishop commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Why so many boot lockers here”

“This is bs. They just allowed the county”

Elizabeth commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“There have been no parking signs for years. No one follows them.”

H. commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Mr.Siegel, you say we own the Air Force? Keep it up with the negative sentiment, and watch the Air Force close off each side of 98 with fences topped with...”

Dude M. commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“When I was A Deputy with the Sheriff's Office I was issuing county ordinance citations to people who were parking on the right-of-way along the area of the sea wall...”

“I will continue to go there and enjoy my time on this earth. This is bs. They just allowed the county to gangrape the south side of 98, directly across...”