Voyage 401 of Iconic Liner Ends as Planning for a World Class Museum Celebrating Her Legacy Kicks Off

MOBILE, AL - March 3, 2025 - The SS United States, America’s Flagship, arrived in Mobile, Alabama today after an approximately 1,800-mile tow from her berth in Philadelphia. The iconic national symbol and last surviving American ocean liner will now undergo preparations for her deployment as the “World’s Largest Artificial Reef” off Florida’s Gulf Coast near Destin-Fort Walton Beach. She will be the first artificial reef to be paired with a unique shoreside museum and visitor’s center. SS United States Conservancy President Susan Gibbs offered the following statement on the historic 401st voyage of the world’s fastest ocean liner:

In the spirit of her record-breaking history, America’s Flagship concluded her journey from Philadelphia to Mobile faster than anticipated. As she moved through the waves for the first time in 28 years, countless onlookers and admirers along the country’s eastern seaboard were inspired by her majesty and beauty.

Now, as she prepares for her next chapter, the SS United States Conservancy, together with Florida’s Okaloosa County, will advance the design and development of a dynamic and immersive museum and visitor’s center that will celebrate the ship’s place in American history. The Conservancy will also be telling her storied history in a documentary film currently in production.

On behalf of supporters of the SS United States from across the nation and around the globe, we thank Captain Mike Vinik and his crew of the oceangoing tugboat Vinik #6 for their expert
care during the tow of the ‘First Lady of the Seas’ over the course of her historic journey. The SS United States will never stop teaching us about American pride, purpose, and possibility.”

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( courtesy of Mark Gale)