Final Voyage Of The SS United States.

[John M.]

After decades of being moored in Philly, the legendary American ocean liner heads for Mobile Alabama under tow where she'll be prepped for her next life as an artificial reef. The Florida County of Oaklossa purchased the liner from her caretaker group that tried for years to have her restored to her former glory and to find a new homeport for her. The purchase price was $1 million. The video tells more. 

 

 

 

Edited February 21 by John M.

[Ace-Garageguy]

That makes me sad. I was really hoping against hope that some billionaire would step up and restore her, maybe with a state-of-the-art propulsion system like a bio-diesel-fueled turbine-electric rig...and sails.

If I had Bezos' money, I sure as H. would. 

Though certainly expensive, it would be pocket change to someone with his resources.

Oh well...

Twow it away mommy. It bwoked.

Edited February 21 by Ace-Garageguy

[TonyK]

I guess I'm not smart enough to understand the artificial reef deal. I've seen a bit on a show before and suppose it does the undersea critters some good but just seems to me that a rotting rusting boat isn't good for the environment. But plastics......oh my!

[SSNJim]

3 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

restore her, maybe with a state-of-the-art propulsion system like a bio-diesel-fueled turbine-electric rig...and sails.

I'm not sure she would need a new propulsion system. She still holds the record for the fastest Atlantic crossing (both ways) since 1952. Allegedly she had a top speed of about 44-50mph which is pretty darn fast for a ship. Many of the features of the propulsion system were very closely held; only recently are some details becoming available.

I am very sorry to see her go. I could see her in the 80's in Norfolk from the Destroyer and Submarine Piers on the Norfolk Naval Base, and I would very recently see her in the Philadelphia Navy Yard on my work trips to Philly. 

[slusher]

Thanks for posting John I enjoyed it didn’t know it was built with lots of aluminum that made it faster. I watche four other videos…

 

 

 

[Lunajammer]

This makes me sad too, but the ship was lost many years ago. Much too far gone and too late to salvage. The interior is so thoroughly gutted that she's only a shell. She's no time capsule like some derelict cruisers are. At this point "benefiting the environment" is the easy out. Until recently, I didn't even know it was still around.

[Ace-Garageguy]

 

[Bugatti Fan]

Back in the day I think that someone wanted to buy the ship and convert it to a cruise ship. I read somewhere that there was a military reason for the sale being blocked. It may have been something to do with the specification involved and so it languished and deteriorated too much over the years. A sad end to this Blue Riband Atlantic Record Breaker. 

Maybe someone will make a 1/350th scale kit ?   I'm not holding my breath !

Edited February 28 by Bugatti Fan

[John M.]

Update. 

 

The SS United States arrived in Mobile Alabama where crews will spend the next 6 months removing hazardous materials from the ship before she's sunk off the West Coast of Florida to become the world's largest artificial reef. 

 

 

[Dave Ambrose]

She would make a spectacular artificial reef. The aircraft carrier, Oriskany, is now an artificial reef. Don't know how popular she is, but I'd like to dive her. 

As for environmental impact, they are good, so long as they get properly prepared. The extra iron in the water encourages plankton, which is the base of the marine food chain. Things just work up from there. Prep will be complicated as doorways will need to be welded shut to keep divers out. Wreck penetration requires special equipment and training. It is not a casual diving activity. But, stupid people sometimes try it anyway and earn their Darwin Awards. 

[Bugatti Fan]

Real shame that the ship will end up as a sunken wreck to make an artificial reef. America has enough billionaires to have rescued this ship and made it into a museum ship and hotel like the Queen Mary. Even more so as the ship is American built and bears the name of the United States.

[John M.]

On 3/15/2025 at 4:04 AM, Bugatti Fan said:

Real shame that the ship will end up as a sunken wreck to make an artificial reef. America has enough billionaires to have rescued this ship and made it into a museum ship and hotel like the Queen Mary. Even more so as the ship is American built and bears the name of the United States.

Agreed. She's part of our maritime history. 

[Ace-Garageguy]

On 3/15/2025 at 4:04 AM, Bugatti Fan said:

...America has enough billionaires to have rescued this ship and made it into a museum ship and hotel like the Queen Mary...

If I were one of 'em, her refit would have started at least a decade ago. 

Edited March 22 by Ace-Garageguy

[John M.]

More information on the ship which includes a land museum that'll exhibit it's two smoke stakes after they're completely refurbished back to their original appearance.