The USS United States is the fastest, sleekest ocean liner ever built, a giant gem of midcentury design and engineering, and in the brief time it spent on the high seas before the great liners were finally supplanted by jet flight, it truly became what its admirers now call it: “America’s flagship.” In its glory days it seemed hard to believe it would ever end like this: Moored permanently in a berth on the Philadelphia side of the Delaware River, cold and empty. That’s where it’s been for a long 14 years while a succession of owners have tried to figure out what to do with it. There’s been talk of turning it into a casino, or a luxury dockside hotel; there’s been talk of refitting it and sending it back out on the seas. But the clock is running down, and now it looks like the end may be approaching: The current owners, Genting Hong Kong, have begun to seriously solicit bids from scrappers. The SS United States Conservancy has mounted a last-ditch effort to raise public awareness about the dire straits in which this beautiful ship now finds itself. Take a look at the trailer for “SS United States: Lady In Waiting,” a documentary produced by SSUSC board member Mark Perry, and if you’re moved to help, contact the Conservancy.
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Video: Lady In Waiting
Owned by the Chinese, looking for bids from scrappers. The SS United States a metaphor for the future of the US of A?
My thinking is that this ship is far faster than a “sub” today and would make a fine troop transport. I’m far from certain that scrapping it is the proper way to go.
Yes, a symbol of American greatness. All the more reason for the current administration to not lift a finger to possibly save her. How about refitting her as a modern combination hospital/emergency accomodations ship ready able and willing to sail to any corner of the globe (flying the American flag) where natural disasters strike. Tsunamis, earth quakes………
I think this ship should be saved but that’s just me. She is still “valuable” and can be put back to sea for any number of reasons.
This “Lady” is not dead yet and like my 1994 Volvo sitting in my garage and running fine this very day…she is more than scrap iron.
I won’t let go of that Volvo and Americans should refuse to let go of “USS United States” because she can still run fine. Try her and understand.
She isn’t “junk” and she is part of US history. With a bit of work she will cause enemy subs a heart attack just like my Volvo with the “afterburner” kicked in. Not a cop in sight that can catch it.
It could be turned into a fast response hospital ship that can get to disaster areas fairly quickly but even more importantly with a full complement of rescue and hospital facilities.
Could double as a troop transport logistical support ship and armed like a frigate with canon, missiles and attack and rescue helicopters i.e. give it some muscle to defend itself from suicide attacks or as a forward base for a military or rescue operation and at times it can be both at the same time.
It would need a major refit and would only work if a major country with a big military budget to afford the operating costs.
It costs upwards of 4000.00 per month to stay in extended care facilities. Thats about the same price that luxury cruise lines charge.
Instead of orienting the costs of the cruise ship stay to pampering the guests with expensive food and activities, why not orient the focus of the costs on basic care and quality medical facilities and staff.
For the same price instead of having to put loved ones in an extended care home, they could go on a perpetual cruise in the sunny and warm Carribean.
It might not be everyones cup of tea, but I can bet it wouldnt be hard to find a couple of thousand people to board a refitted USS United States
#6 – A ship does not have to be faster than a sub — it has to be faster than a missile or a torpedo.
Anyhow, why are the commentators so certain that the age of the big ships has passed? I read only a few months ago of European companies looking at the possibility of reviving trans-Atlantic zeppelin crossings.
Ward, that is a fine idea.