FLORIDA'S OKALOOSA COUNTY ANNOUNCES ANTICIPATED TIMING FOR SS UNITED STATES' PHILADELPHIA DEPARTURE

After completing comprehensive due diligence involving extensive testing and reporting to local, state, and federal agencies, Okaloosa County has now received final approval from the U.S. Coast Guard to begin moving the SS United States from Pier 82 in South Philadelphia to a docking area in Mobile, Alabama.

While still subject to last-minute changes or cancellations due to weather or other factors, operations to move America’s Flagship will begin on Thursday, February 6th, with the ship being moved laterally from Pier 82 to the adjacent Pier 80. She will then be towed down the Delaware River on Saturday, February 8th. The complex operation will be conducted in phases:

• February 6, 2025: At 6:00am ET, tugboats will secure themselves to the SS United States at Pier 82 and begin maneuvering the vessel to the north side of the slip where she will be secured to Pier 80.

• February 8, 2025: Tugboats will maneuver the SS United States out into the Delaware River at approximately 3:30am ET and then proceed down river during low tide at approximately 4:30am ET. The ship will pass under the various bridges (Walt Whitman Bridge (I-76), Commodore Barry Bridge (U.S. 322), and the Delaware Memorial Bridge (I-295) along her route, with the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) coordinating bridge closures.

Please Note: These are tentative times and dates that remain subject to change. We will continue to keep you informed as plans advance.