OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — The historic deployment of the SS United States as the world’s largest artificial reef has been moved up to Wednesday, November 11, Veterans Day, reportedly because of forecast heavy winds and unsafe weather conditions later in the week.
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Okaloosa County officials announced that deployment operations will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday. The sendoff ceremony previously scheduled for 1:30 p.m. that day has been canceled.
“Safety is always a top priority in Okaloosa County,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin.
“There is simply no reason to take an unnecessary risk when adjusting the schedule will allow us to carry out this historic deployment safely and smoothly.”
Mr Goodwin said the change also gives the historic occasion special significance.
“While the weather may have changed our plans, it has given this historic occasion an especially meaningful date. On Veterans Day, as we honor the men and women who served our nation, we will also honor the legacy of the SS United States, a magnificent ship that proudly bears the name of the country they so bravely defended.”
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Public viewing opportunities
Residents and visitors who want to watch the deployment can attend a live viewing party at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar in Destin beginning at noon Wednesday.
A live feed from the deployment site will be shown on the restaurant’s large outdoor screen. The county said it will post a link to watch the deployment online at thessus.com before operations begin.
Boaters planning to watch the deployment from the water should expect significant vessel traffic. County officials anticipate the event could attract hundreds of boats.
Okaloosa County is coordinating with safety and security partners to manage the operation. Spectators on the water are expected to follow instructions from safety boats stationed near the deployment site.
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The proposed deployment location in the Gulf is 30° 07.148′ N, 86° 46.755′ W.
A historic ship’s new purpose
The SS United States, once the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic, is being transformed into an artificial reef off the Okaloosa County coast.
The project is expected to create a major new attraction for recreational divers while providing additional marine habitat in the Gulf.
According to Okaloosa County, the artificial reef project was fully funded through tourism revenue and contributions from multiple partners.
Additional information about the ship, including its history and preparation for deployment, is available through the SS United States Conservancy and the county’s remediation updates.
The county also offers an online 3D model of the ship for those interested in exploring the vessel before it becomes an underwater attraction.
