The SS United States, the iconic ocean liner docked at Pier 82 for nearly three decades, is preparing to set sail for a new chapter in its storied history. A ceremony held Saturday by the SS United States Conservancy marked a heartfelt farewell to the ship, which will soon leave its Philadelphia home and head to Norfolk, Virginia, before its final destination in Okaloosa County, Florida.
The ship has been a landmark at Pier 82 since 1996, but a recent agreement between the conservancy and Penn Warehousing will see the vessel leave its longtime berth. Tom Watkins, a board member of the conservancy, voiced the deep emotions surrounding the ship's departure.