Abdelrahman
The iconic ocean liner that once proudly transported four U.S. presidents across the Atlantic, entertained luminaries like Duke Ellington and Sylvia Plath, and captivated the public during the 20th century has embarked on its final journey. The S.S. United States, which has been languishing in Philadelphia for several decades, is now destined for a deeper purpose—transforming into the world’s largest artificial reef off the coast of Florida’s Panhandle.
Despite hopes from numerous supporters, including former passengers who cherished their memories aboard this magnificent vessel until it ceased operations in 1969, the ship will not see restoration. Instead, its fate is to enhance marine life along the southeastern coast.
Before it meets its new role, the 990-foot-long ship, affectionately known as the Big U, will travel for 14 days to Mobile, Alabama. Here, crews will carefully strip the vessel of hazardous materials, including the lingering fuel in its tanks, ensuring it can be safely immersed in the ocean. Since the ship can no longer navigate independently, five tugboats are facilitating its departure from the Delaware River and Bay on Wednesday. Once it reaches the Atlantic, only one tugboat will be necessary to guide it southward.
Constructed in the early 1950s, the S.S. United States remains the largest passenger ship ever built in the U.S., extending over 100 feet longer than the Titanic. Designed by renowned naval architect William Francis Gibbs, this luxurious liner was created for peacetime voyages but could quickly convert to transport 14,000 troops if the need arose during wartime. On its maiden voyage, the ship shattered the trans-Atlantic speed record, completing the eastbound journey in just three days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes at an average speed exceeding 35 knots.
Throughout its illustrious career, the S.S. United States made over 800 transatlantic crossings, catering to affluent travelers, immigrants seeking new beginnings, and adventurous middle-class Americans exploring Europe. However, the rise of air travel eventually overshadowed the allure of sea voyages, leading to the ship’s retirement from service in 1969.
On Wednesday, the riverine journey commenced around 12:30 p.m., with tugboats escorting the vessel beneath the Walt Whitman Bridge shortly before low tide to maximize clearance. Temporary traffic halts were enacted on the bridge to allow the towering smokestacks of the ship to pass safely beneath it, a mere 10 feet from the roadway.
