A.J. Jelonek
ArtS, Archiving,
& Adventure
Ship History
 SS United States on Sea Trials |  SS United States at Sea |
|---|---|
 SS United States Docking |  SS United States Today |
 Aft View of the SS United States |  National Flagship Celebration |
 National Flagship Celebration Lights |
Click on the images for more information.
Record Start
During World War II, the british liners RMS Queen Mary and RMS Queen Elizabeth helped transport thousands of American troops across the Atlantic to and from the front. America wanted their own liner. The SS United States was born from that idea. Partially funded by the U.S. Government, the ship was designed to be easily converted into a troopship if the need arised. Designed by famed naval architect William F. Gibbs, the ship was built in Newport News, Virginia. The SS United States became Gibbs' magnum opus. She was built to be state-of-the-art and completely fireproof. The only wood onboard were the chef's chopping blocks and the pianos.
On her maiden voyages across the Atlantic, the SS United States beat both previously held crossing times. using only 2/3's of her engine power. She led a popular service career service from 1952 to 1969. Many celebrities deemed the ship the only way to cross. Salvidor Dali, Grace Kelly, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Walt Disney, and four US presidents (including a young Bill Clinton) all took passages on her. The ship became known for her impeccible service, swift crossings, and lack of accidents.
Unexpected Retirement
During its 1969 winter overhaul, the ship was unexpectedly laid up. While the SS United States was still the fastest liner to cross the seas, air travel had become a fierce competitor. A 3-4 day trip across the sea could now take 12-15 hours through the air. The golden age of ocean liners had ended. The SS United States was laid up in Norfolk, Virginia.
In 1978, the SS United States was sold off. Throughout the years, the liner would change many hands. Companies and individuals had ideas to bring the ship back into service, but the plans ultimately either failed or bankrupted the groups. In 1984, its current owner sold all the ship's interiors in an auction that became world famous. In 1992, the ship was towed across the Atlantic to Europe to remove asbestos from the ship. Once all of it was gone, the ship was towed in 1996 to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she remains to this day.
A New Hope
By 2010, The SS United States' then-current owners, Norwegian Cruise Lines, started asking scrapyards for bids for the ship. With the help of Philanthropist Gerry Lenfest, the SS United States Conservancy was able to purchase the ship. The Conservancy was the first nonprofit group to do so with the aim of restoring the ship in regards to its history.
The SS United States Conservancy's plan is to help the ship become a permanently docked multi-use attraction to ensure the ship is viable and self-sustaining for years to come. While the SS United States still has a far way to go until she is no longer threatened by the scrap yard, she has never been closer to being saved.
This story is still incomplete. Help give it a good ending.
For more detailed information regarding the SS United States, view my Big U Timeline, choose something off of the Reading List, or visit The SS United States Conservancy's History Pages.
Created by A.J. Jelonek in honor and support of the SS United States
and SS United States Conservancy.
Unless otherwise noted, all photos © A.J. Jelonek