Once the crown gem of American nautical creation , theSS United Statesis again making waves — but this clock time , it might be under the sea .
This massive historic flagship , long tail in Philadelphia ’s Delaware River , is now at the center of a county - approved plan to transmute it into the globe ’s prominent artificial reef off Florida ’s Gulf Coast near Destin - Fort Walton Beach — though no federal permit have yet been award and competing proposals exist .
Massive, Historic: America’s Flagship
build in 1952 , the SS United States holds the record as the fastest transatlantic sea ocean liner in history . On its inaugural ocean trip , the ocean liner broke transatlantic speed records with an average speed that remains unvanquished among passenger ships .
It was engineered for both commercial luxury and emergency use as a military vessel , designed with a steel and aluminum structure to be fast , light and knotty .
The Fastest Ocean Liner, From Speed to Stillness
Despite its glory day , the SS United States finally shine out of use of goods and services , spending nigh three decades dock and inactive .
The ship ’s arrival at Florida ’s Gulf Coast could presently mark its next chapter .
A New Life as an Artificial Reef
If plans move forward , the SS United States will be intentionally sunk to become an artificial Witwatersrand off Florida ’s Gulf . This shift — supported by Bay County officials , Okaloosa County and Escambia County officials — aims to benefit decisive fish species , other ocean life and regional dive touristry .
The Witwatersrand would raise a web that already include a dozen belittled ship wrecks , establishing the northerly Gulf as a legendary diva web site .
Dive Capital and Economic Boost
With Panama City Beach and charter sportfishing boats operating some of the largest dive sauceboat fleet , the reef would attract technical and advanced divers from around the globe . It could also host training opportunities for groups like the Navy ’s dive school day , making it more than just a tourist attraction .
Honoring the Legacy
A museum and visitor gist is propose to celebrate and memorialise the ship ’s history , featuring a assemblage of graphics and artifacts that honor the technological and aesthetic achievement of this historically pregnant vessel . issue like Founder ’s Day may even find a new household in this singular setting .
Public Engagement and Conservation
As the ship prepare to move , the SS United States Conservancy is leading outreach movement through Instagram , Twitter , YouTube and Facebook .
Their campaign message is clear : Help immortalize the enduring legacy and indomitable spirit of the SS United States , a ship that correspond our common values and America ’s mid - one C maritime dream .
Honoring vs. Erasing a Legacy
If approved , the SS United States sunk will be more than a dive web site . It will join the rank of sea preservation landmarks and fuel ongoing give-and-take around preservation , marine bionomics and tourism .
Yet concerns remain , from contend diving business and content of outside links to public perceptions of whether such a move honors or erases the vessel ’s legacy .
Still , the chance is massive in both scope and symbolisation . Whether you see it docked or deep beneath the waves , the SS United States remains a knock-down monitor of what we once accomplish — and what we might still do together .
We create this article in conjunctive with AI technology , then made sure it was fact - check and delete by a HowStuffWorks editor in chief .
