Page 59: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (January 2021)

Photo courtesy SS United States Conservancy of her power. This triumph was a tre- world stage. test of time. The plans being advanced mendous source of American pride that The SS United States Conservancy for her potential rebirth as a vibrant sta- made headlines the world over. It is a saved the ship from certain destruction tionary mixed-use destination are as vi- record she still holds and most likely al- when it purchased the vessel in 2011. sionary as those that created her. ways will. No ship before or since was Since being withdrawn from service Even at her current Philadelphia pier feted with a ticker tape parade down in 1969, the ship has been the focus of as she awaits restoration, this “Lady in

New York’s ‘Canyon of Heroes.’ numerous books, articles, works of art Waiting” re? ects the very best of what

A vessel the size of the Chrysler build- and documentary ? lms. The breadth and our nation can achieve. The SS United ing moving at the equivalent more than depth of this attention is a testament to States should be on any list of ships to 40 miles per hour across the North At- the ship’s unique hold on the histori- be prioritized for preservation. She has lantic is an exhilarating engineering cal imagination. The Conservancy has waited long enough. Now, her fate is up achievement that anyone who dedi- grown the ship’s global community of to us.

cates themselves to designing, crewing supporters and attracted strategic part- or commanding ships can appreciate. ners who believe she deserves as future The Author

For passengers and onlookers at ports as bright as her storied past. Together Susan Gibbs is the President of the SS around the world, the SS United States’ the effort to save America’s Flagship is United States Conservancy and grand- red, white and blue funnels heralded the real and progressing daughter of William Francis Gibbs. To arrival of not just another ship, but a More than any other vessel, the SS learn more about the SS United States symbol of her namesake nation, a post- United States remains a symbol of and the effort to save and repurpose her war superpower making a splash on the American resilience. She has stood the visit www.ssusc.org www.marinelink.com 59

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