(MOBILE, Ala.) — SS United States arrived in Mobile on Monday after an 1,800-mile tow from its berth in Philadelphia. The iconic national symbol and last surviving American ocean liner will now undergo preparations for deployment as the world’s largest artificial reef off Florida’s Gulf Coast near Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
In the spirit of its record-breaking history, “America’s flagship” concluded its journey from Philadelphia to Mobile faster than anticipated. The tow marked the first time in 28 years that the ship had been at sea.
The ship will be the first artificial reef to be paired with a unique shoreside museum and visitors center. SS United States Conservancy President Susan Gibbs offered the following statement on the historic 401st voyage of the world’s fastest ocean liner:
“Now, as she prepares for her next chapter, the SS United States Conservancy, together with Florida’s Okaloosa County, will advance the design and development of a dynamic and immersive museum and visitor’s center that will celebrate the ship’s place in American history. The conservancy will also be telling her storied history in a documentary film currently in production.
“On behalf of supporters of the SS United States from across the nation and around the globe, we thank Capt. Mike Vinik and his crew of the oceangoing tugboat Vinik No. 6 for their expert care during the tow of the ‘First Lady of the Seas’ over the course of her historic journey. The SS United States will never stop teaching us about American pride, purpose, and possibility.”
Click here for developments that led to the departure of the ship from Philadelphia.
– SS United States Conservancy
