OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — A major milestone has been reached in Okaloosa County’s effort to create the world’s largest artificial reef using the historic SS United States.
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The county announced this week that crews have removed the vessel’s massive 65-foot forward smokestack in Mobile, Alabama. The funnel is being preserved by the SS United States Conservancy for future display in a land-based museum.
The 990-foot ocean liner, purchased by Okaloosa County in 2024, is expected to be deployed as an artificial reef in late 2025 about 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The aft funnel is slated to be removed soon as part of the ongoing preparations.
“This is a massive next step toward an environmental effort that will benefit our local marine habitat and build upon our robust tourism industry in Destin-Fort Walton Beach,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon.
“I applaud the efforts of our contractor, Coleen Marine and the Natural Resources Team at Destin-Fort Walton Beach for their work in preserving this ship’s history as the World’s Largest Artificial reef.”
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The reef site will sit in 180 feet of water, with the ship’s upper deck positioned approximately 55 feet below the surface, making it accessible to both beginner and technical divers.
The SS United States will join more than a dozen other large vessels already placed in the Gulf by the county’s Natural Resources Team. Officials say the project will enhance marine habitat while boosting the region’s $2 billion tourism economy.
The deployment location has not yet been finalized.
The ship’s history and its planned transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef are being documented in coordination with the SS United States Conservancy.
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