A preservation group has initiated legal action against Florida officials in an effort to prevent the sinking of the historic SS United States, a 990-foot ocean liner, which is poised to become what is being touted as the world’s largest artificial reef. Scheduled for submersion off the coast of Pensacola on November 12, the project has drawn ire from conservationists who perceive the timing as inappropriate, coinciding with Veterans Day.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/SS-united-states-110626-1-335b0ac3b0054b9ca68b5e6b5ec4ddfa.jpg)
The SS United States Preservation Foundation, co-founded by Steven R. Perry, filed the lawsuit in a federal court on November 3. The complaint, filed against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Okaloosa County, alleges that the decision to sink the ship was made without a comprehensive assessment of environmental implications or adequate adherence to historic preservation statutes. The group claims that the county has already begun dismantling the ship while an evaluation for preservation was in process.
Okaloosa County plans to transport the vessel from its docking location in Mobile, Alabama, where it has been stationed for over a year and a half, before it is sunk approximately 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin and 29 miles from Pensacola. County officials maintain that sinking the ship will contribute positively to marine habitats and bolster tourism.
Carlos Camacho Jr., a co-founder of the preservation foundation, expressed his disappointment regarding the plan in a recent statement, describing it as “profoundly tone-deaf.” He highlighted the irony of commemorating military veterans on one day only to subsequently sink a vessel that symbolises their legacy, especially one constructed by World War II veterans and American shipbuilders.
While the foundation supports Okaloosa County’s initiative to create an artificial reef, it contests the choice of the SS United States as the vessel. Instead, they have proposed the use of a SL-7 fast sealift ship, which they believe could serve as an equally significant artificial reef while avoiding the significant historical loss associated with sinking the SS United States.
Currently, the USS Oriskany, located off the shore of Pensacola, holds the title of the world’s largest artificial reef. The intention behind creating such reefs is to enhance recreational diving experiences while promoting marine life in the region.
Nick Tomecek, a spokesperson for Okaloosa County, conveyed optimism about moving forward with the project. He stated, “We can’t wait to deploy her as the world’s largest artificial reef, and have her available for divers, marine life and fishermen.” The officials are keen to encourage tourism and recreational opportunities linked to the artificial reef.
The SS United States holds a distinguished place in American maritime history, having been added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Launched in 1952, the vessel was originally designed to serve both as a military transport and a luxury liner. It was celebrated for setting speed records on transatlantic routes and was widely regarded as “America’s Flagship.” Throughout her operational years, the ship was frequented by high-profile figures, including several U.S. Presidents and prominent cultural icons.
After ceasing commercial operations in 1969, the ship faced the threat of demolition during the 1990s while docked in Philadelphia. Okaloosa County purchased the vessel in 2024, intending to convert it into an artificial reef, leading to public interest and minor tourism spikes during its stay in Mobile.
In its recent filing, the preservation group requested a temporary restraining order to halt the project. However, court records indicate that this request was denied on November 6 due to procedural shortcomings, specifically the failure to submit a verified pleading.
As the sinking date approaches, both the preservation advocates and the county are bracing for a potential showdown that pits historical significance against environmental and economic considerations. The controversy surrounding the fate of the SS United States is emblematic of broader discussions regarding heritage conservation in the face of modern developmental initiatives. Further comments have been sought from Okaloosa County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers amidst the ongoing legal developments.
About the Author
