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,

Built in Newport News, the historic, aging SS United States is heading to Florida's Gulf Coast where it will become the world's largest artificial reef.

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/

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.

The ship will now leave Philly on Wednesday, not Tuesday, to begin its journey of becoming the world's largest artificial reef.

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.

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, once the fastest ocean liner, is making its final journey to become the world's largest artificial reef off Florida's Gulf Coast. Tugboats are guiding the vessel to Mobile, Alabama,

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.