MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – A major milestone is unfolding for one of the world’s most iconic ships. The S.S. United States, which docked in Mobile last year, is preparing for a journey that will see the legendary vessel sink 22 miles west of Destin-Fort Walton Beach to become the world’s largest artificial reef.
Okaloosa County officials say the tentative goal is for the ship to leave Mobile this April.
A Record-Breaking Legacy
The 1,000-foot ocean liner captured the world’s imagination when it shattered the transatlantic speed record during its maiden voyage in 1952. Throughout her operational life, the vessel carried presidents, celebrities, dignitaries and even locals across the Atlantic.
Since arriving in Mobile in March 2025, the ship has undergone extensive preparation work to ready her for her final resting place beneath the waves.
Meticulous Preparation Underway
The preparation process has been no small undertaking. The vessel contained 200 tanks filled with fuel and oil—all of which has been carefully removed and transported to environmentally-safe disposal facilities…