OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP)- The time has come, and divers, anglers, and marine life will soon be able to enjoy the world’s largest artificial reef right here in the Panhandle.
On Nov. 12 the SS United States will make its final descent as it transitions to its new home located, weather permitting, about 22 nautical miles (41 kilometers) southwest of Destin.
RELATED: The SS United States is scheduled for sinking to become the world’s largest artificial reef
Events honoring the historic ocean liner, begin Wednesday, Nov. 11, with a public sendoff ceremony ahead of the scheduled Nov. 12 deployment, weather permitting.
Sendoff Ceremony (Nov. 11): A free public celebration with light refreshments will take place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center.Virtual Watch Party (Nov. 12): AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar in Destin will host a live viewing party starting at 9 a.m. on deployment day, featuring a live video feed on its outdoor big screen. The stream will also be available online prior to deployment at thessus.com.On-the-Water Viewing (Nov. 12): Deployment operations begin at 10 a.m. about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach (30° 07.148′ N, 86° 46.755′ W). Officials anticipate hundreds of spectator vessels on the water; boaters must strictly follow guidance from safety and security boats patrolling the perimeter.
Related Links & Resources
Explore Ship History: Learn more about the ocean liner’s past through the SS United States Conservancy.Virtual Tour: View an interactive 3D model of the vessel.Reef Preparation: Read the full summary of the vessel’s environmental remediation and cleanup updates.
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