Recalling the United States: How the Historic Liner Becomes a Florida Reef
A record-setting ocean liner
On its maiden voyage in 1952, the nearly 1,000-foot SS United States crossed from New York to Europe in three days. It broke the trans-Atlantic speed record, which it still holds, and carried presidents and Hollywood stars.
The ship’s economic prospects later weakened as air travel rose and operating costs remained high. It was removed from service in 1969, then spent nearly 30 years at Philadelphia’s Pier 82.
Florida takes on the project
After a contentious dispute with a pier landlord over rent and docking fees, Okaloosa County purchased the ship and arranged to bring it to the Gulf of Mexico. The county plans to turn it into the world’s largest artificial reef and a major diving attraction.
A controlled sinking process
Instead, workers removed tanks inside the ship and cut large holes into its decks. Opening the valves will allow water to flood the hull and bring the vessel down.
Key points
- The SS United States is set to become an artificial reef off Florida’s panhandle.
- The ship crossed from New York to Europe in three days on its 1952 maiden voyage.
- Okaloosa County bought the vessel for a reef project and diving attraction.
- The ship will sink as water floods its hull, not through the use of explosives.