SS United States nears new life as artificial reef in Destin-Fort Walton Beach

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — The historic SS United States, a renowned ocean liner and symbol of American maritime engineering, is one step closer to becoming the world’s largest artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) has approved a contingent contract to acquire the vessel. Plans are to transform it into a marine habitat, tourist attraction, and museum exhibit.

Launched in 1951, the SS United States still holds the transatlantic speed record from her maiden voyage and famously transported U.S. presidents, celebrities, and heads of state until her retirement in 1969.

Notable passengers included four U.S. Presidents — Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, and a young Bill Clinton — and Hollywood stars like Marlon Brando, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, and John Wayne.

Other prominent figures, such as Coco Chanel, Sean Connery, Walt Disney, Duke Ellington, and Salvador Dali, also sailed aboard the ship.

Once deployed, the nearly 1,000-foot vessel will contribute to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach artificial reef program, one of the largest of its kind in the United States. It will create a habitat for marine life and is expected to attract divers and anglers from around the world.

“This is a tremendous next step in bringing such a breathtaking vessel to the waters of Destin-Fort Walton Beach,” said BCC Chairman Paul Mixon.

“Our artificial reef system has grown impressively, and this confirms our commitment to environmental stewardship.”

The project, which is expected to cost up to $10.1 million, includes acquiring, preparing, transporting, and deploying the ship. The funding will also support a land-based museum that will feature artifacts from the ship, such as its radar mast and one of its iconic funnels.

The SS United States Conservancy, which has preserved the ship since 2011, will partner with the county on the project.

According to a joint announcement by Okaloosa County, Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and the SS United States Conservancy, the deal remains contingent on the resolution of legal mediation. If finalized, environmental remediation and deployment preparations for the SS United States could take over a year.

The exact offshore location in Destin-Fort Walton Beach has yet to be determined, but it is expected to be accessible to divers of all experience levels.