SS United States 3-3-25
After arriving on Dauphin Island, we started hearing the news that on Monday morning the SS United States was going to be passing by as it was heading into Mobile Bay. I was able to track her progress and early that morning we were able to see it from our rental home. What a thrill it was so be able to see this historic ocean liner. I wasn’t able to get very good photos being so far away but was happy to capture some despite the quality. Another unexpected opportunity for us to see the United States happened when we were driving through Mobile the following week on our way to Alligator Alley and Fairhope. Adam happened to spy the large ship docked right next the highway. Only the 3 photos on the left of the page are mine. The others were found on Facebook groups. I love the one on the top center which was taken by someone off of Dauphin just as the United States passed the Sand Island Lighthouse. The top right was the SS United States in her glory days. The center photo was taken by someone as she was towed around the Florida Coast on her way to Mobile and the other two photos are of her docked at Mobile getting ready for her transformation.
MOBILE, AL - March 3, 2025 - The SS United States, America’s Flagship, arrived in Mobile, Alabama today after an approximately 1,800-mile tow from her berth of nearly 30 years in Philadelphia. The iconic national symbol and last surviving American ocean liner will now undergo preparations for her deployment as the “World’s Largest Artificial Reef” off Florida’s Gulf Coast near Destin-Fort Walton Beach. She will be the first artificial reef to be paired with a unique shoreside museum and visitor’s center. The 990-foot vessel still holds the transatlantic speed record set on its maiden voyage in 1952. In the spirit of her record-breaking history, America’s Flagship concluded her journey from Philadelphia to Mobile faster than anticipated. As she moved through the waves for the first time in 28 years, countless onlookers and admirers along the country’s eastern seaboard were inspired by her majesty and beauty.
What’s next for the United States? A year-long remediation process in Mobile to remove hazardous materials. Plans for preserving historic artifacts like funnels and propellers for a land-based museum. The ship is expected to be deployed in approximately 180 feet of water about 20 nautical miles from Destin’s East Pass. The vessel’s size means its upper decks will be at about 50-55 feet below the surface, making it accessible to divers of all skill levels. Modifications to the ship will include removing the stacks and crow’s nest to allow for deployment in shallower water, modifying upper decks for safety, and adding openings to allow for diver and marine life egress. The deployment itself will involve controlled flooding rather than explosives.
Credits:
-Created using Affinity
-Nautical Mile by Scrapchat Designs
This layout doesn't use a lot of scrapbook elements because I felt like it was more important to focus on the photos and the story.
