The towering funnels of the legendary SS United States will soon be removed from the historic ocean liner in Mobile, Alabama. Soaring six stories high and sloping backward to convey the record-breaking speed of the ship, the iconic structures will form a dramatic centerpiece of the future SS United States Museum and Visitor Experience. The aft funnel is expected to be removed soon after the forward funnel. The ship is now being prepared for deployment as the “world’s largest artificial reef” off the coast of Florida’s Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
The SS United States, America’s Flagship, arrived in Mobile, Alabama today after an approximately 1,800-mile tow from her berth in Philadelphia. The iconic national symbol and last surviving American ocean liner will now undergo preparations for her deployment as the “World’s Largest Artificial Reef” off Florida’s Gulf Coast near Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
“Today, the nation’s sole surviving ocean liner will glide down the Delaware River to begin the next chapter in her uniquely American story. As the fastest ship to ever cross the Atlantic travels for the first time since arriving in Philadelphia in 1996, we are reminded of the postwar high-water mark that the SS United States so gracefully and powerfully embodied when she was launched in 1951.”
Maiden voyage. Two words that conjure up a unique sense of excitement and anticipation. Add the prospect of a record-breaking passage on the most prestigious Transocean crossing of them all and it is easy to imagine the thrilling atmosphere that surrounded SS United States and adjacent Pier 86, on the morning of Thursday 3rd July 1952.
The Conservancy is pleased to announce the rescheduled date for our panel discussion that explores on our digital exhibition, “Transatlantic Trailblazers: The Women Behind The Art & Engineering of the SS United States.”
Exploring the many contributions that women made to the engineering, design, art, and decor of America's Flagship, this exhibition showcases the work of pioneering women like Constance Smith, Mira Jedwabnik Van Doren, Kaplan, Dorothy Marckwald and Anne Urquhart among others.
On Saturday, April 9, 2022, the Hampton Roads Chapter of the SS United States Conservancy is hosting a fundraising Heritage Tour at the Mariners' Museum in Newport News, VA. During the Morning Session, which will run from 10:00am to 12:00pm, speakers will include Susan Gibbs, granddaughter of the ship's designer William Francis Gibbs and President of the Conservancy; Admiral Mark Buzby (retired), U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and former Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration; and Captain James McNamara, SUNY Maritime and Chairman of the Maritime Industry Museum.
