The towering funnels of the legendary SS United States will soon be removed from the historic ocean liner in Mobile, Alabama. Soaring six stories high and sloping backward to convey the record-breaking speed of the ship, the iconic structures will form a dramatic centerpiece of the future SS United States Museum and Visitor Experience. The aft funnel is expected to be removed soon after the forward funnel. The ship is now being prepared for deployment as the “world’s largest artificial reef” off the coast of Florida’s Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
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.
“Today, the nation’s sole surviving ocean liner will glide down the Delaware River to begin the next chapter in her uniquely American story. As the fastest ship to ever cross the Atlantic travels for the first time since arriving in Philadelphia in 1996, we are reminded of the postwar high-water mark that the SS United States so gracefully and powerfully embodied when she was launched in 1951.”
Five years ago, the Long Island and New York City real estate firm RXR agreed to partner with the SS United States Conservancy to save the famed ocean liner as the centerpiece of a redevelopment project. Now the company and nonprofit have released a detailed proposal they say would be financially viable and create thousands of jobs and millions in tax revenue.
“This plan demonstrates conclusively that the SS United States can be a powerful economic engine and cultural showplace that will create thousands of jobs, become a globally recognized destination, and generate millions in tax revenue,” said Susan Gibbs, president of the conservancy and granddaughter of the vessel’s designer.
