The SS United States will be departing from Pier 82 in South Philadelphia over two days: November 14-15, writes Tom Dougherty for CBS News Philadelphia.

The iconic ocean liner will first be moving to a docking area in Mobile, Alabama.

Okaloosa County, Florida, recently acquired the SS United States in a $10 million transaction and plans to sink the ship and turn it into the world’s largest artificial reef.

Its impending move to be docked in Mobile will be in preparation for that process.

According to Okaloosa County, tug boats will secure the ship on November 14 during high tide, then move it to the north side and secure it at Pier 80. The SS United States will remain there until the following day.

After that, tug boats will begin moving the ship into the Delaware River before dawn.

County officials estimate that the journey from Philadelphia to Florida will take about two weeks.

According to officials, preparing the ship for deployment will take about 12 months, and it will likely be deployed about 20 miles south of the Florida panhandle region in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.

Those interested in tracking the ships journey can do so online as tracking will begin once its begins moving operations.

Read more about the SS United States’ imminent move from its longtime South Philly home in CBS News Philadelphia.

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on PHILADELPHIA Today in November 2024.