After months of multiple delays, the SS United States finally left its longtime home of Philadelphia just before 1 p.m. ET Wednesday. The storied ocean liner’s next stop is Mobile, Alabama, where it will be prepared for its final mission – to become an artificial reef off the coast of the Florida Panhandle.

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.

It’s official, Philadelphia. After years of detailed plans and delays, the long-decaying ship, SS United States, has finally left Pier 82 on the Delaware River. Now, after three decades, it’s on its way to becoming an artificial reef off the coast of Florida.

Historic Liner The SS United States Embarks On Its Final Voyage. The historic ocean liner the SS United States embarked on its final journey from Philadelphia to the Gulf of Mexico to be transformed into the world's largest artificial reef.