SS United States to be sunk in Gulf of Mexico to create artificial reef

The SS United States, a historic 990-foot ocean liner, is scheduled to be intentionally sunk in the Gulf of Mexico to create the world's largest artificial reef. Okaloosa County, which purchased the vessel after restoration efforts proved too costly, plans to deploy the ship approximately 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin, Florida, during the second week of November. The exact timing remains subject to sea conditions.

Launched in 1952, the SS United States was a marvel of American engineering, holding the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by a passenger ship. The vessel served as a symbol of post-war luxury and was designed with Cold War military capabilities in mind, capable of being converted into a troop transport for 14,000 soldiers.

Throughout its service, the liner hosted numerous historical figures, including U.S. Presidents Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Richard Nixon, as well as cultural icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Walt Disney. The ship is now being repurposed to support marine ecosystems, providing a hard surface for coral, algae, and various fish species to inhabit.