Thursday, August 7, 2025

The SS United States has started disassembly and, in its future, it will become one of the largest artificial reefs.

Happy Thursday! 

We read an update to a Blog we wrote on back mid-November 2024 on the SS United States.  Here’s an update on this iconic ship’s journey to become an artificial reef. 

Did anyone happen to read Chron First Draft Newsletter on August 7, 2025, their article titled, “Gulf Coast artificial reef to be constructed out of historic ocean liner – The SS United States set a transatlantic speed record on its maiden voyage”?  The article speaks in regard to the status of the iconic SS United States and where’s its at in its journey to become an artificial reef.  The SS United States was bought for $10 million back last fall and has made the long journey from South Philadelphia to Mobile, Alabama being towed where it has started being disassembled.  The shipyard has taken off one of its twin 65-foot funnels, us lay people would call them smokestacks, in preparations for the ship to become an artificial reef.  Next, the shipyard will remove the other, and then the radar mast and king posts, then it will be ready for the next stage of its life as an artificial reef off the coast of Florida’s panhandle.  The removed pieces the SS United States Conservancy will hopefully use in a museum in the Florida Panhandle. 

The article gave us a bit more history on the iconic ship.  The SS United States was engineered by William Francs Gibbs, a naval architect, and his design went on to be a world record holder.  The SS United States had a colorful history by being the record holder for the transatlantic speed record, as well as having moved presidents, famous people, and incoming settlers to their new home.  As famous as this ship became its demise was faster and by the end of the 60s it was mothballed to a southern Virginia boatyard and eventually it ended up at the South Philly docks.  This memorable ship deserves a place everyone can visit, so it's becoming an artificial reef and museum seems a good decision.  We wish the SS United States has a speedy placement into its new underwater home, and hope it is well explored by Gulf of America’s (Mexico) fish and divers.  If we hear any other news on the iconic ship, we will pass it along!  If you would like to read more of Houston Chronicle’s article on MSN article, please click the link: Gulf Coast artificial reef to be constructed out of historic ocean liner.

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Don’t forget Texas’ Tax-Free Weekend for Back to School starts tomorrow!

We hope you have a wonderful evening! 

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