After months of delays, the historic SS United States ocean liner finally moved out of Philadelphia today on a new voyage as it prepares to become the world's largest artificial reef off the Florida coast in the Gulf of Mexico.

A storied ocean liner that offered passengers regal elegance while setting trans-Atlantic speed records for decades began its final journey this week at a much more measured pace.

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.