The S.S. United States, a renowned vessel from the Cold War era, faces delays in its journey to Mobile, Alabama, where it will be transformed into the world's largest artificial reef. Originally slated to depart on November 14, the ship's relocation has been postponed due to weather concerns and the need for additional stability assessments requested by the Coast Guard.
Officials in Okaloosa County, Florida, are collaborating with engineers to gather essential data on the ship's condition before it can be safely moved. The timeline for this move is uncertain, with 2025 now appearing as a potential departure year.
Once relocated to Mobile, the vessel will undergo modifications to ensure it is safe for marine life, including creating holes in its hull to allow it to settle upright on the ocean floor. This process is expected to take approximately a year.
While local officials anticipate the ship's arrival, some enthusiasts express dismay at its fate, advocating for its preservation as a sustainable floating ecosystem instead of becoming an artificial reef.