The SS United States is scheduled to depart from Philadelphia next week, Okaloosa County’s Tourism Development Department, Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, said in a press release.

After postponing previous plans to move the ship earlier this month, the county has now completed necessary safety requirements by local, state and federal agencies.

Set to become the world’s largest artificial reef, the SS United States will sail from its current berth in Philadelphia to a docking area in Mobile.

Upon arriving in Alabama, the 1952-built ship will undergo preparations to get ready to be reefed off Florida’s coast.

As part of its new departure operation, the SS United States will move from Pier 82 to 80 on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. Crews will be in position and ready to make the shift at high tide at 2:47 p.m.

The former ocean liner is then set to leave Pier 80 on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, beginning its journey down the Delaware River at low tide at 11:18 a.m.

Okaloosa County’s Tourism Development Department is making GPS tracking available for fans who want to follow the journey. Tracking will begin when the vessel begins moving operations and can be accessed via this link.

Dates, times and other logistics are subject to change, Okaloosa County said, noting that plans are still tentative.

The journey to Mobile, Alabama, is expected to take about two weeks, the county added, with the ship being towed by multiple tugboats.

Upon arrival, the SS United States will continue its “rebirth into an artificial reef,” Okaloosa continues, as contractors remove hazardous material, including non-metal parts and fuel.

The work will ensure the ship’s deployment is clean and not harmful to the environment it aims to benefit, the county explained. The preparation process is expected to take about 12 months.

Okaloosa County is also continuing its partnership with the SS United States Conservancy to develop a land-based museum in Destin-Fort Walton Beach.