Famed ocean liner the S.S. United States will spend some time in Mobile before moving down to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area for its transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef.
Though the ship was originally supposed to dock in Norfolk, Va., after leaving its current Philadelphia location, Florida officials decided to dock it in Mobile due to space and availability, according to a recent release from the Okaloosa County Commission.
Moving the ship to Mobile offers the following benefits, according to the release:
1. Significantly less expensive
2. The project contractor will be able to work on the ship for the entire duration of the project remediation.
3. While the initial tow will be significant, its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico will allow for a much more streamlined operation leading to the artificial reef deployment in the nearby Gulf of Mexico.
The ship’s departure date has not been set as of Oct. 29.
“The process to move a ship of this size involves many different agencies, adhering to necessary safety precautions and filing of documents,” the release reads. “It is absolutely essential that the ship is moved with the utmost care.”
The S.S. United States was originally designed as a top-secret, convertible troop carrier during the Cold War in 1951, according to the ship’s conservancy.
The liner still holds the transatlantic speed record, achieved on its maiden voyage using only two-thirds of its power. It has transported presidents, famous actors, heads of state, tourists, members of the armed forces, and immigrants until its 1969 retirement.
Notable passengers included four U.S. Presidents (Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, and a young Bill Clinton), plus Marlon Brando, Coco Chanel, Sean Connery, Duke Ellington, Salvador Dali, Walt Disney, Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, and John Wayne.
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Publish date : 2024-10-29 05:26:00
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