PENSACOLA, Fla. – A new chapter in maritime history is set to unfold along Florida's Gulf Coast as the legendary SS United States is scheduled to become the world's largest artificial reef on Thursday, November 12, 2026, weather permitting. The landmark project will further establish Northwest Florida as a premier destination for wreck diving and underwater exploration.
Led by Okaloosa County, the 990-foot ocean liner will be deployed approximately 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach and 29 miles from Pensacola. The SS United States, which set the transatlantic speed record during her maiden voyage in 1952, will continue her remarkable legacy beneath the Gulf's waters, providing habitat for marine life, new recreational diving experiences, and benefits to local and regional fisheries.
With the addition of the SS United States, Northwest Florida will become home to the world's two largest artificial reefs. The ocean liner will join the USS Oriskany, a 911-foot former aircraft carrier sunk off the Pensacola coast in 2006. Together, these extraordinary vessels will solidify the region's reputation for world-class wreck diving, offering visitors the rare opportunity to explore two record-setting shipwrecks along one stretch of the Gulf Coast.
"There's something incredibly special about seeing a piece of maritime history begin an entirely new chapter," said Tony Lyle, President and CEO of Visit Pensacola. "With the USS Oriskany already drawing divers to Pensacola from around the world, the addition of the SS United States creates another remarkable reason to explore Northwest Florida's world-class diving experiences. We're proud to celebrate this milestone alongside our regional partners and look forward to the opportunities it will bring to our coastal communities."
The SS United States will be towed from its current location in Mobile, Alabama, to the deployment site in advance of November 12, with operations scheduled to begin at approximately 10 a.m. The project will expand the region's artificial reef network, support marine ecosystems, and strengthen the Gulf Coast's appeal to recreational divers.
Visit Pensacola to Host Community Watch Party
To commemorate this occasion, Visit Pensacola and Seville Quarter invite residents and visitors to a free, public watch party on Thursday, November 12, beginning at 9 a.m. at Seville Quarter in downtown Pensacola.
Guests can follow the live broadcast as the legendary ocean liner begins her next chapter beneath the Gulf's waters. The venue will offer food and beverages for purchase throughout the event, and attendees are encouraged to stay for lunch following the live coverage.
On-Water Viewing and Safety Information
The deployment of the SS United States will potentially draw thousands of vessels. Okaloosa County is working with its safety and security partners for a safe and efficient deployment and bystanders are expected to follow the guidance from the safety boats present at the deployment site. Proposed deployment location: 30° 07.148' N, 86° 46.755' W
For more information about the SS United States and its transformation, visit www.thessus.com.
