The partnership includes a $1.5 million payment from Visit Pensacola and a $500,000 contribution from CCA. Visit Pensacola will consider the agreement at their December 2025 meeting.

The funds will go towards the deployment of the SS United States as an artificial reef, as well as a multi-year marketing effort advertising the site as a ‘world-class diving destination’.

Board Chairman Paul Mixon commended the endeavour, adding, “I applaud the effort that went into forming these collaborations.

“This collaboration will foster amazing adventures for generations of visitors and create a tourism economy that will benefit the state and the entire Northwest Florida region.”

The ship is currently parked in Mobile, Alabama, and is undergoing inspection after months of environmental treatment for safe deployment.

The reef is set to be deployed in early 2026, at 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin East Pass and 32 nautical miles southeast of Pensacola Pass.

Darien Schaefer, President and CEO of Visit Pensacola, stated, “With the addition of the SS United States, and Pensacola already home to the USS Oriskany, Northwest Florida is becoming one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations for divers and marine exploration.”

The initiative is projected to offer critical marine habitats, support local ecosystems, and provide significant tourism and economic advantages for the region, demonstrating the value of collaborative efforts between government and non-profit organisations.

Brian Gorski, CCA Florida’s Executive Director, called the cooperation as “the largest single donation in CCA Florida’s 40-year history.” “It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contribute to the creation of the world’s largest artificial reef.”

During its reign, the SS United States conducted frequent excursions between Southampton and New York, and it was also the fastest ship in the world.

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