The SS United States and her final destination
Summary
The SS United States, once the fastest ocean liner in history, left service in 1969 and spent decades docked in Philadelphia. Okaloosa County, Florida, bought the historic ship for $1 million and plans to prepare it for sinking as an artificial reef, but environmental contaminants and public attachment to the vessel remain concerns.Key Facts
- The SS United States reached speeds of more than 40 miles per hour on its 1952 maiden voyage.
- The ship held the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing, which the article says has never been broken.
- The ocean liner carried four U.S. presidents during nearly two decades of service.
- The ship was withdrawn from service in 1969 and later spent almost 30 years docked in Philadelphia.
- Okaloosa County plans to sink the vessel off Florida as an artificial reef.
- The county paid $1 million for the ship and expects to spend another $13 million to prepare it for sinking.
- Officials say the ship contains environmental contaminants from the 1950s that must be addressed.
- The SS United States Conservancy, led by Susan Gibbs, had explored other uses for the ship, including museums and event spaces, but found no takers.
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