Okaloosa County has announced Nov. 11, 2026, as the new date for SS United States sinking, with deployment operations beginning at 1 p.m. CST.

The date has been moved up from November 12, when the ship was originally meant to be deployed as the world’s largest artificial reef, due to forecast heavy winds and unsafe weather conditions on that day.

Furthermore, the sendoff ceremony for the 1952-built ocean liner that was scheduled for Nov. 11 at 1:30 p.m. has been canceled.

“Safety is always a top priority in Okaloosa County. There is simply no reason to take an unnecessary risk when adjusting the schedule will allow us to carry out this historic deployment safely and smoothly,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin.

“While the weather may have changed our plans, it has given this historic occasion an especially meaningful date. On Veterans Day, as we honor the men and women who served our nation, we will also honor the legacy of the SS United States, a magnificent ship that proudly bears the name of the country they so bravely defended.”

A live viewing party will still be held at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar in Destin starting at noon, where guests will be able to watch a live feed from the deployment site on the large outdoor screen.

The live viewing link will be available here before the deployment.