The SS United States, once the world’s fastest ocean liner and known as “America’s Flagship,” is on its final journey to become the largest artificial reef off Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The 990-foot retired vessel was acquired by Okaloosa County, Florida, in October. On February 20, it departed from Pennsylvania, where it had been docked for nearly three decades, with the assistance of four tugboats. The ship is now making its way to Mobile, Alabama, for cleaning and preparation before being submerged off Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

Tracking the SS United States’ Journey

After leaving Philadelphia on February 14, the ship traveled down the East Coast. It was sighted off Palm Beach County and later near the Florida Keys. The final destination in the Gulf remains undisclosed.

A Legendary Past

The SS United States operated from 1952 to 1969, carrying renowned passengers such as Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney, Judy Garland, and John Wayne.

Before being sunk, all hazardous materials, wiring, and fuel will be removed, ensuring an environmentally safe transformation into a marine habitat. The process is being overseen by environmental agencies, including the EPA.

A live tracking map of the ship’s journey is available through Okaloosa County.