Okaloosa County in Florida has scheduled the former ocean liner United States for deployment as an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin–Fort Walton Beach during the second week of November.
The county said weather could affect the operation, and its dates are subject to change. Further information about the deployment will be made public in the coming weeks.
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners said it was working with safety and security partners on the deployment.
"We promised the public we would announce our plans for the ship 30 days before deployment," county spokesperson Nick Tomecek told AL.com.
The liner has been in Mobile, Alabama, since March 2025, where she has undergone remediation and preparation for reefing.
The county said all required environmental remediation has been completed under Environmental Protection Agency and Maritime Administration best management practices for vessels intended as artificial reefs.
The county's plans rule out explosives. Openings will be cut strategically through the hull so that the vessel settles upright at a proposed seabed depth of 180 feet (54.9 metres), leaving about 55 feet (17 metres) of water above the upper deck.
Part of the aluminium superstructure is being removed to improve diver access at that depth.
The SS United States Conservancy, the ship's previous owner, is developing a land-based museum with the county. The museum will display other components secured by the conservancy, along with the ship's funnels, radar mast and stem anchor.
The 1950s-era, 990-foot (300-metre) liner was retired in 1969. She was berthed in Philadelphia from 1996 until 2025.
The county purchased her for US$1 million in 2024, a decision that drew debate over reefing versus recycling.
The county had earlier acquired other vessels for reefs off Fort Walton Beach.
