MOBILE, Al. - The SS United States has completed its voyage from Philadelphia to Mobile, Alabama, where it will be prepped to become part of the world's largest artificial reef. The historic ship spent over a week being tugged down the East Coast after it ceremoniously left its pier in South Philadelphia where it had been docked for decades.

A chilly morning wind greeted the photographers and residents who gathered at the East End to catch a glimpse of history as the SS United States, following its journey from Philadelphia, was towed into Mobile. It is expected to arrive this afternoon to the Modern American Recycling & Repair Services facility at 601 S. Royal St., south of downtown.

After being docked in Philadelphia for nearly three decades, the SS United States -- once the world's fastest ocean liner -- has arrived in Mobile, Al., ahead of schedule to be prepared to be turned into an artificial reef.

The SS United States, the historic ocean liner that decayed at a Philadelphia pier for nearly 30 years before finally being tugged away recently, will arrive in Mobile, Alabama, on Monday. The ship is expected to enter Mobile Bay around 6 a.