On Friday, August 8, 2025, history was made in Mobile, Alabama, as the second and final smokestack—known as a “funnel”—was removed from the legendary SS United States. Towering six stories high, these massive funnels are the largest ever installed on a ship.

The removal was carried out by Coleen Marine, with critical assistance from CERTEX’s Mobile, AL branch and Arabi Rigging. In a last-minute twist, Coleen Marine discovered damage to some of their original rigging. CERTEX quickly stepped in, providing emergency roundslings that ensured the safe and successful removal of the final funnel.

Both funnels are headed to Destin, Florida, where they will be featured in a new maritime museum complex. Afterward, the ship will be cleaned and towed offshore of Destin, where it will be scuttled to create the largest man-made reef ever built.

Built in 1951, the SS United States remains the largest ocean liner constructed entirely in the U.S. and still holds the record as the fastest ship of its kind to cross the Atlantic in either direction.

Later this year, another maritime giant—the ex-USS Enterprise (CVN-65), America’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier—will make its way to Mobile to be dismantled under a $546.7 million contract.