The sinking of the United States ship has been postponed to Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
In an unexpected change of plans, officials in Okaloosa County, Fla., announced late Monday that the planned immersion of the iconic United States has been moved up one day from Thursday, Nov. 12, to Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026.
This decision was made due to forecasts of increased winds and potentially hazardous weather conditions expected in the second half of the week. The controlled flood operation is now scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM CST on Wednesday, November 11 - Veterans Day.
On the morning of Monday, November 9, the historic ocean liner left Mobile, Alabama, in tow, and set out on her final journey after 74 years of "life" on the water. The event took place after nearly 20 months of extensive preparation work, removing peeling paint, hazardous materials and other potentially harmful materials from the vessel to prepare it for its new role as an artificial reef.
The 990-foot vessel is now being moved to its final resting place, about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida. After sinking, it is expected to become the largest artificial reef in the world.
Due to a change in the schedule, the previously announced farewell ceremony for the ship, scheduled for November 11, was canceled.
There is symbolism in the personal embossing of a ship named the United States.