The SS United States set the transatlantic speed record on its maiden voyage in 1952, a record it still holds today.

The luxury liner SS United States departed South Philadelphia Wednesday afternoon to begin a two-week journey to its eventual destination as the world's largest artificial reef off Florida's Gulf Coast.

The effort to move the SS United States from its longtime berth in Philadelphia to Florida has been like watching Charlie Brown trying to kick a football being held in place by Lucy. Every time Charlie Brown takes a running start to kick the ball,

Officials in Okaloosa County on Florida’s coastal Panhandle hope it will become a barnacle-encrusted standout among the county’s more than 500 artificial reefs and a signature diving attraction that could generate millions of dollars annually in local tourism spending for scuba shops,

SS United States to embark on final voyage to Florida, becoming largest artificial reef. https://www.wavy.com/news/national/ss-united-states-to-embark-on-final-voyage-to-florida-becoming-largest-artificial-reef/

The SS United States is on her way to a new life — quite literally. The 990-foot ocean liner is headed south to the Gulf Coast, where she will be sunk off the coast of Okaloosa County, Florida, to become the world's largest artificial reef.

That difference in opinion has been present since the day the ship arrived in Philadelphia in July 1996. Here is how The Inquirer and Daily News covered the city’s reaction to the arrival of the SS United States:

The SS United States is getting towed down the East Coast on its way to the Florida panhandle, where it will be sunk and turned into an artificial reef.

Almost three decades later and with more than $40 million spent on rent, insurance, and feasibility studies, the SS United States — the dilapidated 990-foot ship that adorned or blemished the Delaware River waterfront, depending on whom you ask — has finally left Philadelphia.