SS United States to embark on final voyage to Florida, becoming largest artificial reef
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – A historic ocean liner departed on Thursday for her final voyage, where it heads towards its watery grave off of Florida's coast.
The SS United States passed by Virginia Beach Thursday, close to its birthplace at the Newport News Shipyard. The 990-foot ship broke the trans-Atlantic speed ocean liner record in 1952 — a record it still holds to this day.
Prior to SS United States being laid to rest, the ship will be prepared for its sinking in Mobile, Alabama.
'Once in Mobile at the shipyard is where the work will begin,' Joseph Farrell, Chairman of the Resolve Marine Group said. 'Basically, it's going to include to remove any of the remaining asbestos. It'll be to remove the exfoliating paint on the hull. It'll be to look, find any PCBs, any loose wiring and wiring in the overheads will probably be removed.'
The process of cleaning, transporting and sinking the ship is expected to take at least a year and a half.
The ship will have traveled 18,000 miles before officials will sink it off Destin Fort Walton Beach on Florida's coastline, becoming the world's largest artificial reef.
'I've been a Mariner my entire life, and I really get mixed emotions about seeing a vessel being scrapped, or, but Reefing is just such a wonderful way to do this,' Farrell said. 'It's going to create such a fish habitat, so many jobs for people to come. It's the only and the best way for this vessel to go down, but you only get one shot at it. It's got to be done right.'
The ship, which was in service from 1952 until 1969, has carried four U.S. Presidents, Marilyn Monroe, Joe Dimaggio, John Wayne, Judy Garland and over 1 million passengers.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.
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