We know that many members of our community are eager for an update on the timing of Okaloosa County's plans to deploy the SS United States as the World’s Largest Artificial Reef. The County reports that is nearing the end of the remediation phase of the project and has now entered the inspection phase, and multiple government agencies are involved. The exact date of the deployment will be based on a range of factors, spanning weather and inspection scheduling, but deployment is now anticipated in early 2026. 

Photo courtesy of Bob Sturm and the

SS United States Conservancy

The Conservancy will continue to share updated information with our members as we receive it, including more details about the deployment timing and location. We know that some of you hope to travel to Florida to be on hand for the event. For those of you unable to travel, we will be extensively documenting the process as we continue planning our future SS United States Museum and Visitor Experience. We will be detailing this plans in our next e-newesletter - stay tuned! 

Three of the SS United States’ horns have been preserved and were transported from Mobile, AL – where the ship is docked – to Texas for restoration. They will be a signature feature in the future SS United States and Visitor Experience, along with the ship’s iconic funnels.

Photo courtesy of Destin-Fort Walton Beach/Okaloosa County, FL

The power chambers of two Leslie Tyfon 575s were saved, as well as those of a Leslie Tyfon 425. These elements were originally installed in the ship's forward and aft funnels.

These steam-operated power chambers generated impressive volume levels and reverberation. When the horns were sounded at the ship’s berth at Pier 86 on the Hudson River they could be clearly heard — and felt — on the opposite side of Manhattan.

As with other vessels, the SS United States’ horns were configured for a unique and distinctive sound. SS United States' designer William Francis Gibbs personally oversaw the “tuning” of the Big U’s horns. The SS United States’ 575 horn can be heard in this video. Fair warning, the audio reflects the horn’s powerful sound!

We are looking forward to featuring these irreplaceable ship elements in our SS United States Museum and Visitor Experience. If you would like to make a contribution to the Conservancy to support the preservation and restoration of these iconic pieces of the Big U, you can do so HERE.

“CAPTAIN’S TABLE” GIVEAWAY CONTEST

In 1964, United States Lines published "The Captain's Table," a pamphlet containing 18 fabulous recipes that were served to passengers aboard the SS United States and SS America. Developed by Otto Bismarck, the Big U’s head chef, these recipes range from entrees "Cold Eggs Muscovite" and "Lobster a l’United States" to delicious desserts. One such recipe is a “Parfait Mocha,” a delectable coffee ice cream concoction.

We invite you to try your hand at this delicious recipe, and would love to see photos of your creations (before they are consumed!) The recipe can be found on our website HERE.

The Conservancy will be gifting copies of our reprint of “The Captain’s Table” to the first 10 participants who share their photos with us.

Please email archives@ssusc.org to submit your photo and receive a fun piece of SS United States culinary history!

UPCOMING EVENTS OF INTEREST

Artist’s Stunning Ship Paintings

Brooke Lanier, a talented Philadelphia-based artist drawn to the grace and majesty of historic ships, has included the SS United States in her recent work. Her paintings depict the Big U from varied vantage points, including the ship’s rarely-seen recent interiors.

Brooke Lanier's "Absentee Lifeboats" 2024.

Brooke Lanier's "Disorienting Stairwell" 2023.

"The Story of the Perfect Ship" at

the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf

BUNDLE UP WITH THE BIG U

Commemorate the SS United States with this retro style hoodie! Featuring a design of the Big U at sea and a mid-century inspired font, this high-quality sweatshirt will keep you warm through the fall and into the winter months. To purchase, click HERE.