SS United States: Dock in Disrepair or Sink as Reef Fodder?

Built in 1952, the SS United States holds the record as the fastest transatlantic ocean liner in history. On its maiden voyage, the ocean liner broke transatlantic speed records with an average speed that remains unbeaten 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 tough.

Despite its glory days, the SS United States eventually fell out of use, spending nearly three decades docked and inactive.

Following a federal court order, the SS United States vacated its Philadelphia berth in February 2025. A separate lawsuit filed in the Pensacola federal court seeks to prevent the ship from being sunk as an artificial reef off Florida's Gulf Coast.

The ship's arrival at Florida’s Gulf Coast could soon mark its next chapter.

If plans move forward, the SS United States will be intentionally sunk to become an artificial reef off Florida's Gulf. This transformation — supported by Bay County officials, Okaloosa County and Escambia County officials — aims to benefit critical fish species, other sea life and regional dive tourism.

The reef would enhance a network that already includes a dozen smaller ship wrecks, establishing the northern Gulf as a legendary dive site.

With Panama City Beach and charter fishing boats operating some of the largest dive boat fleets, 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, making it more than just a tourist attraction.

A museum and visitor center is proposed to celebrate and commemorate the ship's history, featuring a collection of art and artifacts that honor the technological and artistic achievement of this historically significant vessel. Events like Founder's Day may even find a new home in this unique setting.

As the ship prepares to move, the SS United States Conservancy is leading outreach efforts through Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

Their campaign message is clear: Help commemorate the enduring legacy and indomitable spirit of the SS United States, a ship that represents our common values and America’s mid-century maritime dreams.

If approved, the SS United States sunk will be more than a dive site. It will join the ranks of ocean conservation landmarks and fuel ongoing discussions around preservation, marine ecology and tourism.

Yet concerns remain, from competing diving businesses and content of external links to public perceptions of whether such a move honors or erases the vessel’s legacy.

Still, the opportunity is massive in both scope and symbolism. Whether you see it docked or deep beneath the waves, the SS United States remains a powerful reminder of what we once achieved — and what we might still do together.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.