Okaloosa County is making steady progress on transforming the SS United States into the world’s largest artificial reef. Recently, in Mobile, Ala., crews removed the ship’s massive 65-foot forward smokestack, which will be preserved for display at the SS United States Conservancy’s future land-based museum. The aft funnel is scheduled for removal soon.
The 990-foot vessel, purchased by the county in 2024, will expand marine habitat in the northern Gulf and boost the fishing and diving industry. Once deployed, the reef will build on Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s thriving tourism economy, which already generates more than $2 billion annually. “This is a massive next step toward an environmental effort that will benefit our local marine habitat and build upon our robust tourism industry in Destin-Fort Walton Beach,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “I applaud the efforts of our contractor, Coleen Marine and the Natural Resources Team at Destin-Fort Walton Beach for their work in preserving this ship’s history as the World’s Largest Artificial reef.”
Deployment is planned for late 2025 about 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The ship will rest at a depth of 180 feet, with its upper deck just 55 feet below the surface—accessible for both beginner and technical divers.
Learn more at https://myokaloosa.com/SSUSFAQs or explore the region’s existing reef system at https://destinfwb.com.
