Time to Say Your Goodbyes: The Last Day of the USS United States Has Been Set

What has been a staple of the Delaware River in South Philly and dubbed “The Philly Titanic” will soon leave a void in the landscape. N

According to a recent announcement, the USS United States Conservancy has received word from Okaloosa County that it is on track to fulfill the necessary requirements by local, state, and federal agencies to move the SS United States from Pier 82 in South Philly to a docking area in Mobile, Alabama, where preparations will begin to ready the ship to become the “World’s Largest Artificial Reef.” This could occur as early as next week depending upon weather conditions and other factors.

So here’s your last chance to snap your pics and say your goodbyes to a Philly landmark. While subject to change, operations to move America’s Flagship will likely begin Thursday, November 14th, and will continue through the day on Friday, November 15th. The complex operation will be conducted in phases:

• Nov. 14, 2024: Tug boats will secure themselves to the SS United States during high tide and begin maneuvering the vessel to the north side of the slip and secure her at Pier 80.
• Nov. 15, 2024: Tug boats will begin maneuvering the SS United States into the Delaware River pre-dawn, in preparation for low tide. When the ship is passing under the various bridges (Walt Whitman Bridge (I-76), Commodore Barry Bridge (U.S. 322), and the Delaware Memorial Bridge (I-295)) along her route, the Department of Transportation will be coordinating bridge closures.