03/26/2026
'Okaloosa County says the SS United States is now expected to be deployed in early May.'
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Okaloosa County says the SS United States is now expected to be deployed in early May, after a previous departure date had been tentatively set for early April.
The legendary ocean liner—docked in Mobile last year—is being prepared for one final voyage before a controlled sinking 22 miles west of Destin–Fort Walton Beach, where it is planned to become what officials describe as the world’s largest artificial reef.
The SS United States became an icon of maritime history in 1952, shattering the transatlantic speed record during its maiden voyage. Over the decades, the ship carried presidents, celebrities, dignitaries, and everyday travelers across the Atlantic.
Since arriving in Mobile in March 2025, crews have been conducting extensive work to prepare the vessel for its final chapter beneath the waves.
However, the reefing plan has drawn nationwide criticism from some preservationists and history enthusiasts who argue the ship should be saved, not sunk. Nevertheless, the SS United States Conservancy says the vessel’s legacy will still be preserved, with plans for a museum display featuring the ship’s iconic smokestacks and a documentary currently in the works.
Okaloosa County says it plans to livestream the reefing this spring on the Destin–Fort Walton Beach YouTube channel, with public viewing parties expected across Okaloosa County and in Mobile so residents can watch the process. Officials note the exact deployment date will depend on weather conditions.
FOX10 is working to learn more in the coming weeks about how long the ship’s final journey will take and the expected timeline for the controlled sinking.
fox10tv.com/2026/03/18/ss-united-states-deployment-pushed-early-may/
