The SS United States, once the fastest ocean liner in the world, was deliberately sunk in the Gulf of America on Wednesday afternoon to become the world's largest artificial reef. The 990-foot vessel now rests approximately 180 feet below the surface about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin, Florida.

Okaloosa County purchased the ship for $1 million in 2024 after preservation efforts stalled. Crews towed it from Philadelphia to Mobile, Alabama, last year for extensive preparation that included removing hazardous materials, fuel tanks, and fixtures. The county spent nearly $13 million on the project overall.

The sinking operation began around 2:40 p.m. Eastern time with controlled flooding of 120 tanks using roughly 6.6 million liters of seawater. No explosives were used. By 5:47 p.m., the ship was fully flooded and had begun its descent to the seabed. Its upper decks sit about 60 feet below the surface, accessible to recreational divers.

The vessel surpasses the USS Oriskany as the largest ship intentionally sunk for an artificial reef. It joins Florida's Panhandle Shipwreck Trail and is expected to attract marine life such as fish, bacteria, and algae within hours. Officials anticipate strong interest from scuba divers and fishermen, supporting tourism in the region.

Built in 1951, the SS United States set a transatlantic speed record in 1952 that still stands. It carried celebrities including Marilyn Monroe and was designed for potential military use as a troop transport. The ship retired from passenger service in 1969.

The deployment coincided with Veterans Day after county officials advanced the schedule from November 12 due to forecast high winds. A public ceremony was canceled, but live coverage was available online. The wreck is projected to enhance the local ecosystem while providing a durable dive attraction for years to come.