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.”
Last year, SS United States enthusiast and Conservancy supporter John Mark contacted Kusy and commissioned the artist to create a model of America’s Flagship, the SS United States, at a more reasonable 3-foot scale. After taking delivery of the model, which was constructed using more than 16,000 toothpicks, John and Wayne recently connected in Philadelphia to repair minor shipping-related damage to the model, see its full-size inspiration, and present the model to the Conservancy.
Dr. Phillip Marion joined the Conservancy as the Administrative & Program Associate, having recently completed his Doctorate in Music Performance, Pedagogy, and Literature from James Madison University. He is a highly trained and acclaimed performer, having given concerts throughout the continental United States and Europe, and he placed highly in several international music competitions.
