06/17/2026
JUNE 16, 2026 ABOARD THE SUPERLINER UNITED STATES IN MOBILE, ALABAMA
SSUS MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT APPROVED
Today, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve the Final Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This action represents a major milestone in the ongoing effort to transform the SS United States into the world’s largest artificial reef. With approval of the MOA now secured, extensive planning, environmental remediation, regulatory review, and coordination among federal, state, and local stakeholders are moving toward their final stages. What was once only a concept is now rapidly becoming a reality.
With the MOA approved, attention now shifts to the remaining regulatory actions required before deployment can occur. The Environmental Protection Agency, whose inspections have been satisfied to date, is anticipated to issue its letter confirming that the vessel has been remediated in accordance with applicable environmental regulations and best management practices established by federal and state agencies involved in the project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is likewise anticipated to issue the remaining permits necessary for reef deployment in the coming days or, at most, weeks. At this time, there has been no indication from the Corps that permits will not be issued, regardless of speculation or claims being made by certain consulting parties online or elsewhere. It is also important to note that once the Corps issues the required permits and the Section 106 process concludes, consulting party status and participation associated with that review process will terminate.
Following permit issuance, Okaloosa County will begin final coordination efforts with the U.S. Coast Guard and other assisting agencies regarding the vessel’s tow from Mobile, Alabama, to its designated deployment site located at Latitude 30° 07.244’N and Longitude 86° 46.932’W. Upon receiving final authorization from all involved parties, the 30-day deployment window will commence. Significant logistical planning remains, including navigational, safety, environmental, and operational coordination, but the process can now move forward toward its ultimate objective: ensuring the SS United States is deployed safely, responsibly, and in a manner that establishes it as a world-class diving and fishing destination for generations to come.
Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners
Coleen Marine Inc.
SS United States Conservancy
-Mike Strasbaugh
Page Admin
