Jobaaj Stories
After several delays, the legendary cruise liner SS United States has finally left South Philadelphia. The ship departed at low tide at 12:51 p.m. and is now on its way to Mobile, Alabama for a remediation process.
Temporary Bridge Closures
To ensure safety and eliminate distractions for drivers, officials closed the Walt Whitman Bridge from 12:45 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the Commodore Barry Bridge from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. as the ship made its way down the Delaware River.
Remediation Process in Alabama
Upon reaching Alabama, the SS United States will undergo an extensive remediation process. This involves the removal of:
-
Command bridge components
-
Engine room equipment
-
Wires and cables
-
Loose items, flooring, and furnishings
-
Fuel and paint
-
Possible contaminants, including asbestos
Final Destination: A Unique Scuba Diving Site
After the remediation process, the ship will be towed to Okaloosa County, Florida. There, it will be sunk and transformed into a scuba-diving destination.
The Journey to Florida
The SS United States will travel more than 1,800 nautical miles at a speed of 5 knots per hour. The route will take the ship:
-
Through Delaware Bay into the Atlantic Ocean
-
Past Cape Hatteras
-
Around the Florida Peninsula
-
Into the Gulf of Mexico
-
Finally reaching Mobile Bay
The entire voyage is expected to take 18 days.
A Nostalgic Goodbye
Maritime expert Captain Joseph Farrell called this moment "an emotional maritime event." He highlighted that the SS United States was once the pride of America’s merchant marine fleet, showcasing American strength and engineering brilliance.
“This is the final chapter for the last all-American-made, America-flagged ocean liner,” he said.
A Legacy of Prestige
During its active years from 1952 to 1969, the SS United States carried several notable figures, including:
-
Four U.S. Presidents
-
Marilyn Monroe
-
John Wayne
-
Jackie Gleason
-
Marlon Brando
-
Judy Garland
-
Charlton Heston
-
Joan Crawford
-
Walt Disney
-
Bob Hope
The ship also holds the record for the fastest trans-Atlantic crossing both eastbound and westbound.
A Historic Ending
As the SS United States embarks on this final journey, it marks the end of an era. While it will no longer sail the seas, it will remain a part of history as an underwater reef, drawing divers from around the world.
