The iconic SS United States, docked at Pier 82 in Philadelphia for nearly three decades, is embarking on a new chapter. After a ceremony marking a heartfelt farewell, the ship will soon depart for Norfolk, Virginia, before its final destination in Okaloosa County, Florida.
The SS United States, which held the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing, operated from 1952 to 1969. Following a years-long legal debate, the ship will undergo a transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef. This process will begin with a remediation in Norfolk, where hazardous materials will be removed, before the ship is submerged off the Florida coast. The ship’s iconic stacks will be preserved and housed in a land-based museum dedicated to its legacy.
The decision to convert the ship into an artificial reef was a difficult but necessary choice, according to Susan Gibbs, the conservancy’s president and the granddaughter of the ship’s designer. Okaloosa County officials are excited about the ship’s new role, as it is expected to become a major diving destination, attracting visitors from around the world. While the departure from Philadelphia is bittersweet, the city is thanked for its role in preserving the iconic vessel.
