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'{{Short description|1951 ocean liner}} {{Other uses}} {{Use American English|date=July 2022}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2016}} {| {{Infobox ship begin}} {{Infobox ship image | Ship image = StateLibQld 1 169487 United States (ship).jpg | Ship caption = SS ''United States'' at sea in the 1950s }} {{Infobox ship career | Hide header = | Ship flag = {{flagicon image|United States Lines Logo.png}} | Ship name = ''United States'' | Ship country = United States | Ship owner = [[United States Lines]] | Ship operator = United States Lines | Ship registry = [[New York City|New York]] | Ship route = New York-[[Le Havre]]-[[Southampton]] (also [[Bremerhaven]]) | Ship ordered = 1949<ref name="Ujifusa" /> | Ship builder = [[Newport News Shipbuilding]] and Drydock Company<ref name="Ujifusa" /> | Ship original cost = $79.4 million (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|79422469|1951|{{Inflation-year|US-GDP}}|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US-GDP}}{{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}}) | Ship yard number = Hull 488<ref name="Cudahy">{{cite book |first=Brian J. |last=Cudahy |title=Around Manhattan Island and Other Tales of Maritime NY |publisher=[[Fordham University Press]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4RTxzui1OG4C&pg=PA51 |page=51 |date=1997 | access-date = 2012-04-23 |isbn=978-0-8232-1761-8}}</ref> | Ship way number = | Ship laid down = February 8, 1950 | Ship launched = June 23, 1951<ref name="nyt1951">{{cite news |last=Horne |first=George |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50D15FA3D55167A93C6AB178DD85F458585F9 |title=Biggest US Liner 'Launched' in Dock; New Superliner After Being Christened Yesterday |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=June 24, 1951 | access-date = 2012-04-23}}{{subscription required |date=September 2012}}</ref> | Ship completed = | Ship christened = June 23, 1951<ref name="nyt1951" /> | Ship maiden voyage = July 3, 1952 | Ship in service = 1952 | Ship out of service = November 14, 1969<ref name="nyt1969">{{cite news |last=Weinraub |first=Bernard |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00B1EF83E591A7493C7A8178AD95F4D8685F9 |title=Liner ''United States'' Laid Up; Competition From Jets a Factor; The ''United States'' Cancels Voyages and Is Laid Up |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=November 15, 1969 | access-date = 2012-04-23}}{{subscription required |date=September 2012}}</ref> | Ship identification = *{{IMO Number|5373476}} *[[Callsign]] <s>KJEH</s> | Ship notes = }} {{Infobox ship career | Hide header = title | Ship class = | Ship flag = {{shipboxflag|United States|1960}} | Ship owner = Various | Ship operator = | Ship registry = | Ship acquired = 1978 | Ship maiden voyage = | Ship in service = | Ship out of service = | Ship notes = Multiple owners from 1978 to present day<ref>{{cite web |title=Retirement and Layup |url=http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/ship/layup/ |date=2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110207034215/http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/ship/layup/ |archive-date=February 7, 2011 |website=SS 'United States' Conservancy |access-date=September 24, 2019}}</ref> }} {{Infobox ship career | Hide header = title | Ship class = | Ship flag = {{shipboxflag|USA}} | Ship owner = SS ''United States'' Conservancy | Ship operator = | Ship registry = | Ship acquired = February 1, 2011 | Ship maiden voyage = | Ship in service = | Ship out of service = | Ship status = Laid up in [[Philadelphia]]<ref name="Reef" /> | Ship fate = | Ship notes = Continual fundraising towards conservation efforts since 2011.<ref name="Reef" /> }} {{Infobox ship characteristics | Hide header = | Header caption = | Ship type = [[Ocean liner]] | Ship tonnage = {{GRT|53329}}, {{NRT|29475}} | Ship displacement = *45,400 tons (designed) *47,264 tons (maximum) | Ship length = *{{cvt|990|ft|m|0}} (overall) *{{cvt|940|ft|m|0}} (waterline) | Ship beam = {{cvt|101.5|ft|m}} maximum | Ship draft = *{{cvt|31|ft|3|in|m}} (design) *{{cvt|32|ft|4|in|m}} (maximum) | Ship depth = {{cvt|175|ft|m}} (keel to funnel)<ref>{{cite web |title=SS ''United States'' Specifications |url=http://www.ss-united-states.com/spec06.html |website=ss-united-states.com |access-date=April 26, 2021 |archive-date=April 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419215736/http://www.ss-united-states.com/spec06.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> | Ship decks = 12 | Ship deck clearance = | Ship ramps = | Ship power = *{{cvt|240,000|shp|kW|lk=in}} (rated) *{{cvt|247,785|shp|kW|lk=in}} (trials) | Ship propulsion = *4 × [[Westinghouse Electric Corporation (1886)|Westinghouse]] double-reduction geared [[steam turbine]]s *8 × [[Babcock & Wilcox]] boilers operating at 1000 psi (later reduced to 925 psi) and {{cvt|975|F|C}} *4 × shafts | Ship speed = *{{cvt|30|kn|lk=in}} (service) *{{cvt|38.32|kn}} (trials) * {{cvt|43|kn}} (claimed) | Ship capacity = 1,928 passengers | Ship crew = 900 | Ship notes = }} {{Infobox NRHP | embed = yes | name = SS ''United States'' (Steamship) | nrhp_type = | image = | caption = | location = Pier 82, [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]], Pennsylvania | coordinates = {{coord|39|55|06|N|75|08|11|W|display=inline,title}} | locmapin = Philadelphia#Pennsylvania#USA | map_width = 300 | area = | architect = [[William Francis Gibbs]] | architecture = | added = June 3, 1999 | refnum = 99000609<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|2007a}}</ref> }} |} '''SS ''United States''''' is a retired [[ocean liner]] built between 1950 and 1951 for the [[United States Lines]]. She is the largest ocean liner [[List of passenger ships built in the United States|constructed entirely in the United States]] and the fastest ocean liner to [[Transatlantic crossing|cross the Atlantic]] in either direction, retaining the [[Blue Riband]] for the highest average speed since her maiden voyage in 1952, a title she still holds today. She was designed by American [[naval architect]] [[William Francis Gibbs]] and could be converted into a [[troopship]] if required by the [[United States Navy|Navy]] in time of war. ''United States'' maintained an uninterrupted schedule of transatlantic passenger service until 1969 and was never used for military applications. The ship has been sold several times since the 1970s, with each new owner trying unsuccessfully to make the liner profitable. Eventually, the ship's fittings were sold at auction, and [[hazardous waste]]s, including [[asbestos]] panels throughout the ship, were removed, leaving her almost completely stripped by 1994. Two years later, she was towed to [[Philadelphia]], where she remains today. Since 2009, the preservation group, 'SS ''United States'' Conservancy' has been raising funds to save the ship. The group purchased her in 2011 and has drawn up several unrealized plans to restore the ship, one of which included turning the ship into a multi-purpose waterfront complex. In 2015, as its funds dwindled, the group began accepting bids to [[scrap]] the ship; however, sufficient donations came in via extended fundraising. Large donations have kept the ship berthed at her Philadelphia dock while the group continues to further investigate restoration plans.<ref>[https://www.wearetheunitedstates.org/single-post/2017/07/29/major-donation-ss-united-states-conservancy-christie-peck "SS ''United States'' Receives $100,000 Donation".] SS ''United States'' Conservancy. July 29, 2017. Retrieved October 8, 2017.</ref> ==Design and construction== [[File:Colorful SS United States.jpg|left|thumb|SS ''United States'' colorized promotional B&W photograph. The ship's name and an American flag have been painted in position here as both were missing when this photo was taken during 1952 sea trials.]] Inspired by the service of the British liners {{RMS|Queen Mary|3=2}} and {{RMS|Queen Elizabeth|3=2}}, which transported hundreds of thousands of US troops to Europe during [[World War II]], the US government sponsored the construction of a large and fast merchant vessel that would be capable of transporting large numbers of soldiers. Designed by American naval architect and marine engineer [[William Francis Gibbs]] (1886–1967), the liner's construction was a joint effort by the [[United States Navy]] and [[United States Lines]]. The US government underwrote almost 70% of the {{USD|79.4 million|link=no}} construction cost,<ref name="Ujifusa">{{cite book |last=Ujifusa |first=Steven |title=A Man and his Ship |publisher=Simon & Schuster |date=July 2012 |location=New York |page=222 |url=http://www.stevenujifusa.com/ |isbn=978-1-4516-4507-1}}</ref> with the ship's prospective operators, United States Lines, contributing the remaining $28 million. In exchange, the ship was designed to be easily converted in times of war to a [[troopship]]. The ship has a capacity of 15,000 troops, and could also be converted to a [[hospital ship]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thegreatoceanliners.com/index2.html |website=The Great Ocean Liners |title=United States |access-date=2012-09-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429112842fw_/http://www.thegreatoceanliners.com/unitedstates.html |archive-date=April 29, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}{{self-published source|date=July 2022}}</ref>{{self-published source|date=July 2022}} The vessel was constructed between 1950 and 1952 at the [[Northrop Grumman Newport News|Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company]] in [[Newport News, Virginia|Newport News]], Virginia.<ref name="Ujifusa" /> The hull was constructed in a [[dry dock]]. ''United States'' was built to exacting Navy specifications, which required that the ship be [[Bulkhead (partition)|heavily compartmentalized]], and have separate engine rooms to optimize wartime survivability.<ref name="film-history">{{cite web |title=Life and Times of the SS United States |url=http://www.ssunitedstates-film.com/history.html |access-date=2012-09-22 |work=The Big U: The Story of the SS United States |publisher=ssunitedstates-film.com}}</ref> A large part of the construction was prefabricated. The ship's hull comprised 183,000 pieces.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Dempewolff |first=Richard F. |date=June 1952 |title=America Bids for the Atlantic Blue Ribbon |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XNwDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA81 |journal=[[Popular Mechanics]] |pages=81–87, 252, 254 |issn=0032-4558 |access-date=2012-09-22}}</ref> The construction of the ship's superstructure involved the most extensive use of [[aluminum]] in any construction project up to that time, which posed a [[galvanic corrosion]] challenge to the builders in joining the aluminum superstructure to the steel decks below. However, the extensive use of aluminum meant significant weight savings, as well.<ref>{{cite web |title=SS ''United States'' |url=http://www.ss-united-states.com/hist06.html |access-date=2012-09-22 |publisher=ss-united-states.com |archive-date=April 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405032619/http://www.ss-united-states.com/hist06.html |url-status=dead}}{{self-published source|date=July 2022}}</ref>{{self-published source|date=July 2022}} ''United States'' had the most powerful [[steam turbines]] of any [[merchant marine]] vessel at the time, with a total power of {{cvt|240,000|shp|MW|lk=in|abbr=out}} delivered to four {{convert|18|ft||-diameter|adj=mid}} manganese-bronze [[propeller]]s. The ship was capable of steaming astern at over {{cvt|20|kn|0|lk=in}}, and could carry enough fuel and stores to steam non-stop for over {{cvt|10000|nmi|lk=in}}.<ref>{{cite web |date= |title=Designing and Constructing Superliner SS United States |url=http://www.ss-united-states.net/SSUnitedStatesWebpageFiles/WebPages/PagesConstruction.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326201606/http://www.ss-united-states.net/SSUnitedStatesWebpageFiles/WebPages/PagesConstruction.htm |archive-date=March 26, 2012 |access-date=April 26, 2021 |publisher=ss-united-states.net}}{{self-published source|date=July 2022}}</ref>{{self-published source|date=July 2022}} === Speed === The maximum speed attained by ''United States'' is disputed, as it was once held as a military secret,<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wOfaAgAAQBAJ&q=SS+United+States+speed+secret&pg=PA72 |title=Aluminum Dreams: The Making of Light Modernity |author=Mimi Sheller |date=February 14, 2014 |publisher=MIT Press |page=72 |isbn=978-0-262-02682-6}}</ref> and complicated by the alleged leak of a top speed of {{cvt|43|kn|km/h}} attained after the first speed trial.<ref>{{cite journal |title=How fast did it go |journal=Nautilus |publisher=University of Michigan Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Department |volume=25 |page=8}}</ref> For example, ''The New York Times'' reported in 1968 that the ship could make {{cvt|42|kn|km/h}} at a maximum power output of {{cvt|240000|hp}}.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Horne|first1=George|title=Secrets of the Liner United States|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1968/08/16/90668695.html?pageNumber=35|access-date=16 February 2023|work=The New York Times|date=16 August 1968|page=35|url-access=subscription|quote=The decision to unclassify the superior military qualities of the big ship revealed, among other things, that her propulsion plants developed 240,000 horsepower – nearly 100,000 horses more than the world's biggest liners – and that she could make 42 knots, or better than 48 land-miles an hour.}}</ref> Other sources, including a paper by [[John J. McMullen & Associates]], placed the ship's highest possible sustained top speed at {{cvt|35|kn|km/h}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ccdott.org/hss_volume2/05_high_speed_hulls_&_propulsors.pdf |title=Hull Form and Propulsor Technology for High Speed Sealift |editor-last=McKesson |editor-first=Chris B. |date=February 13, 1998 |publisher=John J. McMullen Associates, Inc |pages=13–14 |access-date=2009-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051213084350/http://www.ccdott.org/hss_volume2/05_high_speed_hulls_%26_propulsors.pdf |archive-date=December 13, 2005 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The liner's top speed was later revealed to be {{cvt|38.32|kn|km/h}}, achieved on its full-power trial run on June 10, 1952.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kane |first=John R. |date=1978-04-01 |title=The Speed of the SS United States |url=https://onepetro.org/MTSN/article/15/02/119/176570/The-Speed-of-the-SS-United-States |journal=Marine Technology and SNAME News |language=en |volume=15 |issue=02 |pages=119–143 |doi=10.5957/mt1.1978.15.2.119 |issn=0025-3316}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Braynard |first=Frank |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h3OlfC6LtrkC&pg=PA61 |title=S.S. United States |last2=Westover |first2=Robert Hudson |date=2002 |publisher=Turner Publishing Company |isbn=978-1-56311-824-1 |page=61}}</ref> ===Interior design=== The interiors were designed by [[Dorothy Marckwald]] & Anne Urquhart, the same designers that did the interiors for {{SS|America|1939|6}}''.'' The goal was to "create a modern fresh contemporary look that emphasized simplicity over palatial, restrained elegance over glitz and glitter".<ref>{{Cite web |title=The great lady ship decorators {{!}} S.S. AMERICA, S.S. UNITED STATES sailing on the 'All American' team to Europe |url=http://united-states-lines.org/interior-designpictures-2/ |access-date=2021-05-06|website=united-states-lines.org |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506025827/http://united-states-lines.org/interior-designpictures-2/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=S.S. United States |url=https://digital.wolfsonian.org/WOLF038383/00001/thumbs |access-date=2021-05-15 |website=digital.wolfsonian.org |language=en}}</ref> Also hired were artists to produce American themed artwork for the public spaces,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Ocean Liners: S.S. United States: Cabin class lounge wall map – International Hildreth Meière Association Inc. |url=https://www.hildrethmeiere.org/commissions/ss-united-states |access-date=2021-05-06 |website=www.hildrethmeiere.org |language=en}}</ref> including [[Hildreth Meiere|Hildreth Meière]], [[Louis Ross]], [[Peter Ostuni]], [[Charles Lin Tissot]], William King, Charles Gilbert, [[Raymond Wendell]], [[Nathaniel Choate]], muralist [[Austin M. Purves, Jr.]], and sculptor [[Gwen Lux]].<ref>{{cite web |date=2012 |title=Early Years |url=http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/ship/early-years/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826033339/http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/ship/early-years/ |archive-date=August 26, 2012 |access-date=September 24, 2019 |website=SS United States Conservancy |df=mdy-all}}</ref>{{failed verification|reason=none of those names are mentioned in the cited source|date=July 2023}} Interior décor also included a children's playroom designed by [[Edward Meshekoff]].<ref name="Dunlap">{{cite news |last1=Dunlap |first1=David |date=9 March 2016 |title=Beloved Anachronisms, Times Square Mosaics of the City May Be Preserved |work=New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/10/nyregion/beloved-anachronisms-times-square-mosaics-of-the-city-may-be-preserved.html |access-date=10 March 2016}}</ref> Markwald and Urquhart were also tasked with the challenge of creating interiors that were completely fireproof. ===Fire safety=== As a result of various maritime disasters involving fire, including {{SS|Morro Castle|1930|6}} and {{SS|Normandie}},<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Steven Ujifusa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H6KB4q7M938C&q=SS+United+States+Charles+Gilbert&pg=PA252 |title=A Man and His Ship: America's Greatest Naval Architect and His Quest to Build the S.S. United States |date=June 4, 2013 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-4516-4509-5 |page=252}}</ref> William Gibbs specified that the ship incorporate the most rigid fire safety standards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ssusc.org/history-design-launch|title=HISTORY: DESIGN & LAUNCH – SS ''United States'' Conservancy}}</ref> To minimize the risk of fire, the designers of ''United States'' prescribed using no wood in the ship, aside from the [[Galley (kitchen)|galley]]'s wooden butcher's block. Fittings, including all furniture and fabrics, were custom made in glass, metal, and spun-glass fiber, to ensure compliance with fireproofing guidelines set by the US Navy. [[Asbestos]]-laden paneling was used extensively in interior structures.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://maritime-executive.com/article/ss-united-states-saved-perhaps-to-sail-once-more|title=SS United States Saved, Perhaps to Sail Once More|website=The Maritime Executive}}</ref> The clothes hangers in the luxury cabins were [[aluminum]]. The ballroom's [[grand piano]] was originally designed to be aluminum, but was made from [[mahogany]] and accepted only after a demonstration in which gasoline was poured upon the wood and ignited, without the wood itself ever catching fire.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ssusc.org/news/steinway-baby-grand-piano-from-americas-flagship-now-on-public-display |title=Steinway Baby Grand Piano from America's Flagship Now on Public Display |website=SS United States Conservancy}}</ref> ==History== ===Commercial service (1952–1969)=== [[File:SS United States on maiden voyage from Southampton.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|''United States'' photographed from [[Portsmouth]] during her return maiden voyage to New York, summer 1952]] On her maiden voyage—July 3–7, 1952 —''United States'' broke the eastbound transatlantic speed record that was held by {{RMS|Queen Mary}} for the previous 14 years by more than 10 hours, making the maiden crossing from the [[Lightship Ambrose|Ambrose lightship]] at [[New York Harbor]] to [[Bishop Rock]] off [[Cornwall]], [[United Kingdom|UK]] in 3 days, 10 hours, 40 minutes at an average speed of {{cvt|35.59|kn}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Driscoll |first=Larry |title=The Race for the Blue Riband |url=http://united-states-lines.org:80/luxury%20liner%20row.htm |date=2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530224727/http://united-states-lines.org/luxury%20liner%20row.htm |archive-date=May 30, 2009 |access-date=March 3, 2018 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}</ref> and winning the coveted [[Blue Riband]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://find.galegroup.com/ttda/infomark.do?&source=gale&prodId=TTDA&userGroupName=livlibtda&tabID=T003&docPage=article&searchType=BasicSearchForm&docId=CS101928680&type=multipage&contentSet=LTO&version=1.0 |title=Atlantic Riband for America |work=The Times |location=London |date=8 July 1952 |page=6 |issn=0140-0460 |via=The Times Digital Archive |access-date=27 April 2017}}</ref> On her return voyage ''United States'' also broke the westbound transatlantic speed record, also held by ''Queen Mary'', by returning to America in 3 days 12 hours and 12 minutes at an average speed of {{cvt|34.51|kn}}. In [[New York City|New York]] her owners were awarded the [[Hales Trophy]], the tangible expression of the Blue Riband competition.<ref>{{cite book |last=NY Times |title=Ship speed trophy is presented here |date=13 November 1952}}</ref> During the 1950s and early 1960s the ''United States'' was popular for transatlantic travel, sailing between New York, [[Southampton]] and [[Le Havre]], with an occasional additional call at [[Bremerhaven]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Miller |first1=William H. |title=SS United States: Ship of Power, Might, and Indecision |date=2022 |publisher=Fonthill |location=Stroud |isbn=1625451156 |page=159 (online) |url=https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/SS_United_States/d0BpEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PT59}}</ref> She attracted frequent repeat celebrity passengers, such as the [[Edward VIII|Duke]] and [[Duchess of Windsor]], along with celebrities like [[Marilyn Monroe]], [[Judy Garland]], [[Cary Grant]], [[Salvador Dalí]], [[Duke Ellington]], and [[Walt Disney]], who featured the ship in the 1962 film ''[[Bon Voyage! (1962 film)|Bon Voyage!]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Tennessean |url=https://www.tennessean.com/restricted/?return=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2021/07/23/ss-united-states-now-docked-pennsylvania-needs-help/7969767002/ |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=www.tennessean.com}}</ref> Another celebrity who was on board the ship was [[Claude Jones]], a trombonist who performed with Ellington. He worked as part of the waitstaff who later died on board in 1962.<ref name="LarkinGE">{{cite book |title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music]] |date=1992 |publisher=[[Guinness Publishing]] |isbn=0-85112-939-0 |editor=[[Colin Larkin (writer)|Colin Larkin]] |edition=First |page=xx}}</ref> By the mid-to-late 1960s, with the advent of jet-powered airliners, the market for transatlantic travel by ship had dwindled. ''America'' was sold in 1964, ''Queen Mary'' was retired in 1967, and ''Queen Elizabeth'' in 1968. ''United States'' was no longer profitable. Unbeknownst to her passengers, crew, or the public, ''United States'' completed her last voyage (Number 400) on November 7, 1969, when she arrived in New York.{{cn|date=July 2022}} In late 1969, before the decision was made to retire the ''United States'', United States Lines announced a 55-day Grand Pacific Cruise which was to set sail on January 21, 1970. This was canceled in December 1969.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://luxurylinerrow.com/product/united-states-brochure-grand-pacific-cruise-1970/ | title=United States Brochure, Grand Pacific Cruise 1970 }}</ref> ===Layup in Virginia and visit to Europe (1969–1996)=== After this voyage, the liner sailed to [[Newport News, Virginia|Newport News]] for her scheduled annual overhaul. While there, United States Lines announced its decision to withdraw her from service. The decision was due to the skyrocketing expenses of operating the ship and the U.S. government's discontinuation of its operating subsidies. The announcement halted all work on the ship, leaving various tasks incomplete, such as the repainting of the funnels. The partially finished paint coating on the funnels can still be faintly seen today. The ship was sealed up, with all furniture, fittings, and crew uniforms left in place.<ref name=":2" /> In June 1970, the ship was relocated across the [[James River]], to the [[Virginia Port Authority#Norfolk International Terminals|Norfolk International Terminal]], in [[Norfolk, Virginia]]. In 1973, the United States Lines officially transferred ownership of the vessel to the [[United States Maritime Administration]]. In 1976, [[Norwegian Cruise Line|Norwegian Caribbean Cruise Line]] (NCL) was reported to be interested in purchasing the ship and converting her into a Caribbean cruise ship, but the U.S. Maritime Administration refused the sale due to the classified naval design elements of the ship<ref name=":2" /> and NCL purchased the former {{SS|France|1961|6}} instead. The Navy finally declassified the ship's design features in 1977.<ref name=":2" /> That same year, a group headed by Harry Katz sought to purchase the ship and dock her in [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], where she would be used as a hotel and casino. However, nothing came of the plan.<ref>{{cite news |title=Times Daily |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1842&dat=19770721&id=ZhcsAAAAIBAJ&pg=2245,3405463 |access-date=2016-02-04}}</ref> ''United States'' was briefly considered by the US Navy to be converted into a troopship or a [[hospital ship]], to be called USS ''United States''. This plan never materialized, being dropped in favor of converting two [[Mercy-class hospital ship|''San Clemente-''class]] [[supertankers]].<ref>Moore, John, Capt., RN, FRGS, editor, "Jane's Fighting Ships, 1987–88", Jane's Publishing Company Limited, London, UK, 1987, {{ISBN|0-7106-0842-X}}, page 790.</ref> The liner was seen as obsolete for Naval use by 1978, and was put up for sale by the U.S. Maritime Administration. In 1980, the vessel was sold for $5 million to a group headed by Seattle developer Richard H. Hadley, who hoped to revitalize the liner in a [[time share]] [[cruise ship]] format.{{cn|date=July 2022}} In 1984, to pay creditors, the ship's fittings and furniture, which had been left in place since 1969, were sold at auction in [[Norfolk, Virginia]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Reif |first=Rita |date=1984-10-15 |title=S.S. United States Fans Buy Pieces of History at Ship Auction |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/15/us/ss-united-states-fans-buy-pieces-of-history-at-ship-auction.html |access-date=2021-05-06 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> After a week-long auction from October 8–14, 1984, about 3,000 bidders paid $1.65 million for objects from the ship. Some of the artwork and furniture went to various museums including the [[Mariners' Museum and Park|Mariners' Museum of Newport News]], while the largest collection was installed at the now defunct Windmill Point Restaurant in [[Nags Head, North Carolina|Nags Head]], North Carolina.{{cn|date=July 2022}} [[File:"United States" - Hampton Roads, 1989.jpg|thumb|SS ''United States'' laid up in [[Newport News]], 1989]] On March 4, 1989, the vessel was relocated, towed across Hampton Roads to the [[CSX Transportation|CSX]] coal pier in [[Newport News]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h3OlfC6LtrkC&dq=%22ss+united+states%22+newport+news+1989&pg=PA165 |title=S.S. United States |isbn=9781563118241 |last1=Braynard |first1=Frank |last2=Westover |first2=Robert Hudson |year=2002}}</ref>{{pn|date=July 2022}} Richard Hadley's plan of a time-share style cruise ship eventually failed financially, and the ship, which had been seized by [[United States Marshals Service|US marshals]], was put up for auction by the U.S. Maritime Administration on April 27, 1992. At auction, Marmara Marine Inc.—which was headed by Edward Cantor and Fred Mayer with Julide Sadıkoğlu, of the Turkish shipping family, as majority owner—purchased the ship for $2.6 million.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1241&dat=19920429&id=E0dTAAAAIBAJ&pg=4914,5905786 |title=S.S. United States Sold to Turkish-Backed Group |work=Daily News |date=April 29, 1992}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1992-04-28/news/1992119026_1_ship-states-cruises-ss-united |title=$2.6 million bid wins SS United States International group plans renovation |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 28, 1992}}</ref> The ship was towed to [[Turkey]], departing the US on June 4, 1992, and reaching the [[Sea of Marmara]] on July 9. She was then towed to [[Ukraine]], where, in [[Sevastopol Shipyard]], she underwent asbestos removal which lasted from 1993 to 1994.<ref>{{cite news |last=Richtun |first=Tatiana |title=Асбестовый след корабля 'Юнайтед Стейтс' |trans-title=Asbestos footprint of the ship ''United States'' |url=http://sevastopol.press/2007/07/12/asbestovyj-sled-korablja-junajted-stejts/ |date=July 12, 2007 |newspaper=Sevastopol Gazette |language=ru |access-date=February 22, 2022}}</ref> The interior of the ship was almost completely stripped down to the [[Bulkhead (partition)|bulkheads]] during this time. The open lifeboats which would not meet new [[SOLAS Convention|SOLAS]] requirements if the ship were to sail again were also removed and scrapped along with their davits. In the U.S., no plans could be finalized for re-purposing the vessel, and in June 1996, she was towed back across the Atlantic to South [[Philadelphia]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Famed Liner's Moving, But There's No Money Yet For A Huge Fixup Will Ship Make City Seasick? |work=Philadelphia Daily News |date=August 15, 1996 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810195303/http://articles.philly.com/1996-08-15/news/25643434_1_cruise-ship-ss-united-states-commodore-cruise-lines |archive-date=August 10, 2014 |url=http://articles.philly.com/1996-08-15/news/25643434_1_cruise-ship-ss-united-states-commodore-cruise-lines}}</ref> ===Layup in Philadelphia (1996–present)=== In November 1997, Edward Cantor purchased the ship for $6 million.<ref>{{cite web |title=S.S. UNITED STATES, The Turkish Years 1992–1996: What Might Have Been |work=maritimematters.com |url=http://maritimematters.com/2013/02/s-s-united-states-the-turkish-years-1992-1996-what-might-have-been/}}</ref> Two years later, the SS ''United States'' Foundation and the SS ''United States'' Conservancy (then known as the SS ''United States'' Preservation Society, Inc.) succeeded in having the ship placed on the National Register of Historic Places.{{cn|date=July 2022}} ====Purchase by Norwegian Cruise Line (2003-2009)==== In 2003, [[Norwegian Cruise Line]] (NCL) purchased the ship at auction from Cantor's estate after his death. NCL's intent was to fully restore the ship to a service role in their newly announced American-flagged Hawaiian passenger service called [[NCL America]]. ''United States'' was one of the few ships eligible to enter such service because of the [[Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886|Passenger Service Act]], which requires that any vessel engaged in domestic commerce be built and flagged in the U.S. and operated by a predominantly American crew.<ref>{{cite news |title=S.S. United States may get chance to relive glory days |first=Gerard |last=Deflitch |date=September 28, 2003 |url=http://triblive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ae/s_156463.html#axzz3HlbhFN9F |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]]}}</ref> NCL began an extensive technical review in late 2003, after which they stated that the ship was in sound condition. The cruise line cataloged over 100 boxes of the ship's blueprints.<ref>{{cite web |title=Return of 'Big U' delayed by problems with Pride of America |url=http://www.professionalmariner.com/February-2007/Return-of-226-128-152Big-U-delayed-by-problems-with-Pride-of-America/ |website=professionalmariner.com |author=David Tyler |publisher=Navigator Publishing LLC |date=February 28, 2007 |access-date=October 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030231006/http://www.professionalmariner.com/February-2007/Return-of-226-128-152Big-U-delayed-by-problems-with-Pride-of-America/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2004, NCL commenced feasibility studies regarding a new build-out of the vessel; and in May 2006, [[Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay]], chairman of [[Malaysia]]-based [[Star Cruises]] (the owner of NCL), stated that ''United States'' would be coming back as the fourth ship for NCL after refurbishment.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615222630/http://www.maritimematters.com/shipnews.html |archive-date=June 15, 2006 |url=http://www.maritimematters.com:80/shipnews.html |title=Those Three Two Stackers |work=Maritime Matters |date=May 24, 2006 |access-date=March 14, 2018 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Meanwhile, the Windmill Point restaurant, which had contained some of the original furniture from the ship, closed in 2007. The furniture was donated to the [[Mariners' Museum]] and [[Christopher Newport University]], both in [[Newport News, Virginia|Newport News]], Virginia.<ref>{{cite news |last=Morris |first=Rob |url=http://outerbanksvoice.com/2011/03/01/windmill-point-set-to-go-out-in-a-blaze-of-glory/ |title=Windmill Point Set to Go Out in a Blaze of Glory |newspaper=Outer Banks Voice |date=March 1, 2011 |access-date=2012-04-18}}</ref> When NCL America first began operation in Hawaii, it operated the ships {{Ship|2=Pride of America|4=2}}, {{Ship|2=Pride of Aloha|4=2}}, and {{Ship|2=Pride of Hawaii|4=2}}, rather than ''United States.'' NCL America later withdrew ''Pride of Aloha'' and ''Pride of Hawaii'' from its Hawaiian service. In February 2009, it was reported that ''United States'' would "soon be listed for sale".<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313184657/http://cruisebusiness.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=214%3Ass-united-states-may-be-offered-for-sale&catid=43%3Alatest-news-catecory&Itemid=111 |archive-date=March 13, 2012 |url=http://cruisebusiness.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=214%3Ass-united-states-may-be-offered-for-sale&catid=43%3Alatest-news-catecory&Itemid=111 |title=SS United States may be offered for sale |last=Niemelä |first=Teijo |date=February 11, 2009 |work=Cruise Business Online |publisher=Cruise Media Oy Ltd |access-date=2018-03-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.maritimematters.com/shipnews.html |title=United States impending sale? |access-date=2009-02-11 |date=February 10, 2009 |work=Maritime Matters |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219132435/http://maritimematters.com/shipnews.html |archive-date=February 19, 2009}}</ref> ====Founding of the SS ''United States'' Conservancy and potential scrapping (2009-2010)==== The SS ''United States'' Conservancy was then created that year as a group trying to save ''United States'' by raising funds to purchase her.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706182200/http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/SSUS/About.html |archive-date=July 6, 2010 |url=http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/SSUS/About.html |title=Our History |publisher=SS United States Conservancy |access-date=2018-03-07}}</ref> On July 30, 2009, [[H. F. Lenfest]], a Philadelphia media entrepreneur and [[philanthropist]], pledged a matching grant of $300,000 to help the ''United States'' Conservancy purchase the vessel from Star Cruises.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20090730_Phila__philanthropist_to_aid_purchase_of_iconic_ship.html |title=Phila. philanthropist to aid purchase of iconic ship |access-date=2009-07-30 |last=Moran |first=Robert |date=July 30, 2009 |newspaper=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |publisher=Philadelphia Newspapers LLC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803091952/http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20090730_Phila__philanthropist_to_aid_purchase_of_iconic_ship.html |archive-date=August 3, 2009}}</ref> A noteworthy supporter, former US president [[Bill Clinton]], has also endorsed rescue efforts to save the ship, having sailed on her himself in 1968.<ref name="film-history" /><ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100324045944/http://www.ssunitedstatestrust.org/ |archive-date=March 24, 2010 |url=http://www.ssunitedstatestrust.org/ |title=SS United States: America's Ship of State |publisher=SS United States Trust |date=July 4, 2009 |access-date=2010-07-02}}</ref> In March 2010, it was reported that bids for the ship, to be sold for scrap, were being accepted. Norwegian Cruise Lines, in a press release, noted that there were large costs associated with keeping ''United States'' afloat in her current state—around $800,000 a year—and that, as the SS ''United States'' Conservancy was not able to tender an offer for the ship, the company was actively seeking a "suitable buyer".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://planphilly.com/ss-united-states-grave-peril |title=SS United States now in grave peril |last=Ujifusa |first=Steven B. |work=PlanPhilly |date=2010-03-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100307063256/http://planphilly.com/ss-united-states-grave-peril |archive-date=2010-03-07 |access-date=2020-01-17}}</ref> By May 7, 2010, over $50,000 was raised by the SS ''United States'' Conservancy.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728052615/http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/good_day_philadelphia/SS_United_States_Fundraising_050710 |archive-date=July 28, 2011 |url=http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/good_day_philadelphia/SS_United_States_Fundraising_050710 |title=Fund Aims To Save S.S. United States |publisher=Myfoxphilly.com |access-date=2010-07-02}}</ref> [[File:SSUSVarenhorstPhilly3.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|An artist's rendering of the planned "multi-purpose waterfront complex"]] In November 2010, the Conservancy announced a plan to develop a "multi-purpose waterfront complex" with hotels, restaurants, and a casino along the [[Delaware River]] in [[South Philadelphia]] at the proposed location of the stalled [[Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia|Foxwoods Casino]] project. The results of a detailed study of the site were revealed in late November 2010, in advance of Pennsylvania's December 10, 2010, deadline for a deal aimed at [[Harrah's Entertainment]] taking over the casino project. However, the Conservancy's deal soon collapsed, when on December 16, 2010, the state [[Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board|Gaming Control Board]] voted to revoke the casino's license.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/article_a0410938-093d-11e0-ad91-001cc4c002e0.html |title=Gambling panel revokes license for proposed Foxwoods casino project in Philadelphia |access-date=2010-12-17 |last=Wittkowski |first=Donald |date=December 16, 2010 |work=[[The Press of Atlantic City]] |publisher=The Press of Atlantic City Media Group |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101219212431/http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/article_a0410938-093d-11e0-ad91-001cc4c002e0.html |archive-date=December 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy}}</ref> ====Saved by the SS ''United States'' Conservancy (2010-2015)==== The Conservancy eventually bought ''United States'' from NCL in February 2011 for a reported $3 million with the help of money donated by philanthropist H.F. Lenfest.<ref>{{cite web |author=Julie Shaw |date=January 29, 2016 |title=Is SS United States shipping out for New York? |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20160129_SS_United_States_appears_bound_for_New_York_City.html |access-date=March 12, 2018 |publisher=Philly.com}}</ref> The group had funds to last 20 months (from July 1, 2010) that were to go to supporting a development plan to clean the ship of toxins and make the ship financially self-supporting, possibly as a hotel or other development project.<ref name="wsj">{{cite news |last=Pesta |first=Jesse |date=July 1, 2010 |title=Famed Liner Steers Clear of Scrapyard |newspaper=[[Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704334604575339053837359296?mod=googlenews_wsj |access-date=2010-07-02}} {{subscription required|date=September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Cox |first=Martin |date=June 30, 2010 |title=Preservationists Perched To Buy SS UNITED STATES |url=http://maritimematters.com/2010/06/preservationists-perched-to-buy-ss-united-states/ |access-date=2010-07-02 |work=Maritime Matters}}</ref> SS ''United States'' Conservancy executive director Dan McSweeney stated that he planned on placing the ship at possible locations that include [[Philadelphia]], [[New York City]], and [[Miami]].<ref name="wsj" /><ref>{{cite web |date=Fall 2010 |title=POWERSHIPS FALL 2010 |url=http://sshsa.org/steamboat-bill |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128234249/http://sshsa.org/steamboat-bill |archive-date=November 28, 2010 |access-date=2018-03-07 |publisher=Steamship Historical Society of America}}</ref> [[File:SS United States Philly 2012-2.JPG|thumb|''United States'' in 2012]] The SS ''United States'' Conservancy assumed ownership of ''United States'' on February 1, 2011.<ref name="sos">{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Travel/ss-united-states-purchased-58-million/story?id=12805918 |title=Save Our Ship: Passionate Preservationists Buy a National Treasure |work=[[ABC News]] |date=February 1, 2011 |first=John |last=Griffin | access-date = 2012-09-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311034621/http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/news/_/2011/2/video-of-february-1-title-transfer-event/ |archive-date=March 11, 2012 |url=http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/news/_/2011/2/video-of-february-1-title-transfer-event/ |title=Video of February 1 Title Transfer Event |date=February 9, 2011 |publisher=SS United States Conservancy |access-date=2018-03-07}}</ref> Talks about possibly locating the ship in Philadelphia, New York City, or [[Miami]] continued into March. In New York City, negotiations with a developer were underway for the ship to become part of Vision 2020, a waterfront redevelopment plan costing $3.3 billion. In Miami, Ocean Group, in Coral Gables, was interested in putting the ship in a slip on the north side of [[American Airlines Arena]].<ref name="mm2011-03">{{cite web |url=http://maritimematters.com/2011/03/ss-united-states-in-miami |title=SS United States Latest |date=March 16, 2011 |first=Peter |last=Knego |work=Maritime Matters |access-date=2012-09-22}}</ref> With an additional $5.8 million donation from H. F. Lenfest, the conservancy had about 18 months from March 2011 to make the ship a public attraction.<ref name="mm2011-03" /> On August 5, 2011, the SS ''United States'' Conservancy announced that after conducting two studies focused on placing the ship in Philadelphia, she was "not likely to work there for a variety of reasons". However, discussions to locate the ship at her original home port of New York, as a stationary attraction, were reported to be ongoing.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002024102/http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/news/_/2011/8/an-update-from-conservancy-executive-director-dan-mcsweeney/ |archive-date=October 2, 2011 |url=http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/news/_/2011/8/an-update-from-conservancy-executive-director-dan-mcsweeney/ |title=An Update From Conservancy Executive Director Dan McSweeney |date=August 5, 2011 |publisher=SS United States Conservancy |access-date=2018-03-07}}</ref> The Conservancy's grant specifies that the refit and restoration must be done in the [[Philadelphia Naval Shipyard]] for the benefit of the Philadelphia economy, regardless of her eventual mooring site. On February 7, 2012, preliminary work began on the restoration project to prepare the ship for her eventual rebuild, although a contract had not yet been signed.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211031439/http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/news/_/2012/2/work-begins-to-prepare-the-ss-united-states-for-future-redevelopment/ |archive-date=February 11, 2012 |url=http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/news/_/2012/2/work-begins-to-prepare-the-ss-united-states-for-future-redevelopment/ |title=Work Begins to Prepare the SS United States for Future Redevelopment |date=February 7, 2012 |publisher=SS United States Conservancy |access-date=2018-03-07}}</ref> In April 2012, a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was released as the start of an aggressive search for a developer for the ship. A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued in May.<ref>{{cite press release |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903002935/http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/news/_/2012/4/ss-united-states-redevelopment-project-releases-request-for-qualifications |archive-date=September 3, 2012 |url=http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/news/_/2012/4/ss-united-states-redevelopment-project-releases-request-for-qualifications |title=SS United States Redevelopment Project Releases Request for Qualifications |publisher=SS United States Conservancy |date=April 5, 2012 |access-date=2018-03-07}}</ref> In July 2012, the SS ''United States'' Conservancy launched a new online campaign called "Save the ''United States''", a blend of social networking and micro-fundraising that allowed donors to sponsor square inches of a virtual ship for redevelopment, while allowing them to upload photos and stories about their experience with the ship. The Conservancy announced that donors to the virtual ship would be featured in an interactive "Wall of Honor" aboard the future SS ''United States'' museum.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.ssusc.org/news/_/2012/7/new-online-campaign-launches-to-save-the-united-states/ |title=New Online Campaign Launches to Save the United States |access-date=2012-07-17 |date=July 11, 2012 |publisher=SS United States Conservancy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716065356/http://www.ssusc.org/news/_/2012/7/new-online-campaign-launches-to-save-the-united-states/ |archive-date=July 16, 2012 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://savetheunitedstates.org |title=Save the United States |publisher=SS United States Conservancy |access-date=2012-09-22}}</ref> By the end of 2012, a developer was to be chosen, who would put the ship in a selected city by summer 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/7055-ss-united-states-to-be-repurposed.html |title=SS United States To be "Repurposed" |publisher=Cruise Industry News |date=April 5, 2012 |access-date=2012-09-22}}</ref> In November 2013, it was reported that the ship was undergoing a "below-the-deck" makeover, which lasted into 2014, in order to make the ship more appealing to developers as a dockside attraction. The SS ''United States'' Conservancy was warned that if its plans were not realized quickly, there might be no choice but to sell the ship for scrap.<ref>{{Cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131201033224/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ss-united-states-being-prepared-new-life |archive-date=December 1, 2013 |url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ss-united-states-being-prepared-new-life |title=SS United States is being prepared for a new life |agency=Associated Press |date=November 28, 2013 |access-date=2018-03-07}}</ref> In January 2014, obsolete pieces of the ship were sold to keep up with the $80,000-a-month maintenance costs. Enough money was raised to keep the ship going for another six months, with the hope of finding someone committed to the project, New York City still being the likeliest location.<ref>{{Cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110093731/http://articles.philly.com/2014-01-06/news/45885447_1_william-francis-gibbs-ss-united-states-conservancy-pier-82 |archive-date=January 10, 2014 |url=http://articles.philly.com/2014-01-06/news/45885447_1_william-francis-gibbs-ss-united-states-conservancy-pier-82 |title=Will the SS United States find new life in 2014? |work=philly.com |date=January 6, 2014 |access-date=2018-03-07}}</ref> In August 2014, the ship was still moored in Philadelphia and costs for the ship's rent amounted to $60,000 a month. It was estimated that it would take $1 billion to return ''United States'' to service on the high seas, although a 2016 estimate for restoration as a luxury cruise ship was said to be, "as much as $700 million".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/america-tonight/articles/2014/8/12/americaa-s-flagshipadmirersofssunitedstatessendansos.html |title=America's flagship: Admirers of SS United States send an S.O.S. |work=america.aljazeera.com |date=August 12, 2014 |access-date=2014-09-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/02/160208-ss-united-states-ocean-liner-cruise-ship-photos/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160209094244/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/02/160208-ss-united-states-ocean-liner-cruise-ship-photos/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 9, 2016 |title=The World's Fastest Ocean Liner May Be Restored to Sail Again |date=2016-02-08 |website=National Geographic News |access-date=2016-07-10}}</ref> On September 4, 2014, a final push was made to have the ship bound for New York City. A developer interested in re-purposing the ship as a major waterfront destination made an announcement regarding the move. The Conservancy had only weeks to decide if the ship needed to be sold for scrap.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Backwell |first=George |url=http://www.marinelink.com/news/supporters-united-states376366.aspx |title=SS United States Supporters Push for NY Return |website=Marine Link |date=September 4, 2014 |access-date=2014-09-09}}</ref> On December 15, 2014, preliminary agreements in support of the redevelopment of ''United States'' were announced. The agreements included providing for three months of carrying costs, with a timeline and more details to be released sometime in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://maritimematters.com/2014/12/encouraging-new-ss-united-states-developments/ |title=Encouraging New SS UNITED STATES Developments |work=maritimematters.com |date=December 15, 2014 |access-date=2015-01-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2014/12/16/agreement-reached-to-redevelop-ss-united-states.html |title=Agreement reached to redevelop SS United States |work=www.bizjournals.com |date=December 16, 2014 |access-date=2015-01-04}}</ref> In February 2015, another $250,000 was received by the Conservancy from an anonymous donor which went towards planning an onboard museum.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503095053/http://articles.philly.com/2015-02-11/news/59010270_1_ss-united-states-conservancy-ship-vessel |archive-date=May 3, 2015 |url=http://articles.philly.com/2015-02-11/news/59010270_1_ss-united-states-conservancy-ship-vessel |title=SS United States gains $250,000 donation |work=[[Philly.com]] |date=February 11, 2015 |access-date=2018-03-07}}</ref> In October 2015, the SS ''United States'' Conservancy began exploring potential bids for scrapping the ship. The group was running out of money to cover the $60,000-per-month cost to dock and maintain the ship. Attempts to re-purpose the ship continued. Ideas included using the ship for hotels, restaurants, or office space. One idea was to install computer servers in the lower decks and link them to software development businesses in office space on the upper decks. However, no firm plans were announced. The conservancy said that if no progress was made by October 31, 2015, they would have no choice but to sell the ship to a "responsible recycler".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/08/business/friends-of-the-ss-united-states-send-out-a-last-sos.html?hp&WT.nav=top-news&module=CloseSlideshow&region=SlideShowTopBar&version=SlideCard-5&action=click&contentCollection=Business%20Day&pgtype=imageslideshow |title=Friends of the S.S. United States Send Out a Last S.O.S. |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=October 7, 2015 |access-date=2015-10-07}}</ref> As the deadline passed it was announced that $100,000 had been raised in October 2015, sparing the ship from immediate danger. By November 23, 2015, it was reported that over $600,000 in donations had been received for care and upkeep, buying time well into the coming year for the SS ''United States'' Conservancy to press ahead with a plan to redevelop the vessel.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/donations-help-the-ss-united-states-fend-off-the-scrapyard/ar-BBnmzBf?li=BBnb7Kz |title=Donations Help the S.S. United States Fend Off the Scrapyard |publisher=msn.com |access-date=2016-02-04}}</ref> ====Crystal Cruises purchase option (2016-2018)==== On February 4, 2016, [[Crystal Cruises]] announced that it had signed a purchase option for ''United States''. Crystal would cover docking costs, in Philadelphia, for nine months while conducting a feasibility study on returning the ship to service as a cruise ship based in New York City.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923145059/http://www.philly.com/philly/business/homepage/20160205_Report__Cruise_ship_company_in_deal_to_buy_SS_United_States.html |archive-date=September 23, 2017 |url=http://mobile.philly.com/news/breaking/?wss=/philly/news/breaking&id=367636361&betaPreview=redesign |title=Can the SS United States again sail the seas? |date=February 4, 2016 |publisher=philly.com |access-date=2018-03-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/04/business/ss-united-states-historic-ocean-liner-of-trans-atlantic-heyday-may-sail-again.html |title=S.S. United States, Historic Ocean Liner of Trans-Atlantic Heyday, May Sail Again |date=February 4, 2016 |work=The New York Times |access-date=2016-02-04}}</ref> On April 9, 2016, it was announced that 600 artifacts from ''United States'' would be returned to the ship from the Mariners' Museum and other donors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailypress.com/features/history/dp-nws-mariners-museum-donation-20160409-story.html |title=SS United States getting artifact donations from Mariners' Museum, others |publisher=Dailypress |access-date=April 14, 2016}}</ref> On August 5, 2016, the plan was formally dropped, with Crystal Cruises citing the presence of too many technical and commercial challenges. The cruise line then made a donation of $350,000 to help with preservation through the end of the year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Crystal Drops SS United States Project |url=http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/15658-crystal-drops-ss-united-states-project.html |access-date=6 August 2016 |publisher=Cruise Industry News |date=August 5, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/06/business/ss-united-states-ocean-liner.html |title=The S.S. United States Won't Take to the Seas Again After All |first=Jesse |last=Pesta |newspaper=The New York Times |date=6 August 2016 |access-date=9 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/08/abandoned_ship_deal_to_save_ss_united_states_too_c.html |title=Abandoned ship: Deal to save SS United States 'too challenging' |first=Greg |last=Adomaitis |date=8 August 2016 |access-date=9 August 2016 |publisher=NJ.com}}</ref> The ''SS United States'' Conservancy continued to receive donations, which included one for $150,000 by cruise industry executive Jim Pollin.<ref name="Reef">{{cite web |url=http://www.travelagentcentral.com/cruises/ss-united-states-gets-last-minute-reprieve |title=SS United States Gets Last-Minute Reprieve |work=www.travelagentcentral.com |author=Adam Leposa |date=July 19, 2017 |access-date=July 23, 2017}}</ref> In January 2018, the conservancy made an appeal to US [[President of the United States|president]] [[Donald Trump]] to take action regarding "America's [[Flagship]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2018/01/26/once-majestic-cruise-ship-s-s-united-states-could-be-americas-flagship-once-again.html |title=Once-majestic cruise ship, the S.S. United States, could be 'America's Flagship' once again |publisher=[[Fox News]] |author=Trina Thompson |date=January 26, 2018 |access-date=March 12, 2018}}</ref> If the group runs out of money, alternative plans for the ship include sinking her as an [[artificial reef]] rather than scrapping her.<ref name="Reef" /> [[File:A559, SS United States, Pier 82, Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 2017.jpg|thumb|SS ''United States'' docked at Pier 82 in [[Columbus Boulevard (Philadelphia)|Columbus Boulevard]], Philadelphia, on July 16, 2017]] On September 20, 2018, the conservancy consulted with Damen Ship Repair & Conversion about redevelopment of ''United States''. Damen had previously converted the former ocean liner and cruise ship {{SS|Rotterdam}} into a hotel and mixed-use development.<ref name="damen">{{cite web |url=https://www.wearetheunitedstates.org/single-post/2018/09/20/damen-ship-repair-and-conversion-welcomed-by-conservancy |title=Leading Rotterdam Ship Repair & Conversion Firm Welcomed by Conservancy |website=wearetheunitedstates.org |publisher=SS United States Conservancy |date=September 20, 2018 |access-date=September 20, 2018}}</ref> ====RXR Realty redevelopment plans (2018-present)==== On December 10, 2018, the conservancy announced an agreement with the commercial real estate firm [[RXR Realty]] to explore options for restoring and redeveloping the ocean liner.<ref name=rxr1>{{cite web |url=https://www.wearetheunitedstates.org/single-post/2018/12/10/Breaking-News-New-Agreement-with-RXR-Realty |title=Breaking News: New Agreement with RXR Realty |author=Susan Gibbs |website=wearetheunitedstates.org |publisher=SS United States Conservancy |date=December 10, 2018 |access-date=December 13, 2018}}</ref> In 2015, RXR had expressed interest in developing an out-of-commission ocean liner as a hotel and event venue at [[Pier 57]] in New York.<ref name=rxr2>{{cite web |url=http://www2.philly.com/real-estate/commercial/ss-united-states-rxr-realty-columbus-boulevard-ikea-20181212.html |title=NYC developer with Manhattan pier project in deal to explore reviving SS United States |author=Jacob Adelman |website=philly.com |publisher=Philly.com/Philadelphia Media Network (Digital), LLC |date=December 12, 2018 |access-date=December 13, 2018}}</ref> The conservancy requires that any redevelopment plan preserve the ship's profile and exterior design, and include approximately {{cvt|25000|sqft|sigfig=4}} for an onboard museum.<ref name=damen /> RXR's press release about ''United States'' stated that multiple locations would be considered, depending on the viability of restoration plans.<ref name=rxr1 /><ref name=rxr2 /> In March 2020, RXR Realty announced its plans to repurpose the ocean liner as a permanently-moored {{cvt|600000|sqft|sigfig=4}} hospitality and cultural space, requesting expressions of interest from a number of major US waterfront cities including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Miami, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.<ref name=rxr3>{{cite web |url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/u-s-cities-offered-ss-united-states-as-cultural-space |title=U.S. Cities Offered SS United States as Cultural Space |author=The Maritime Executive |date=March 11, 2020 |access-date=April 25, 2020}}</ref> In 2023, a more detailed plan for her redevelopment was released by RXR Realty and [[MCR Hotels]]. According to this plan, the ship would serve as a 1,000 room hotel, museum, event venue, public park, and a dining location. [[New York City]] was highlighted as the best location for the ship, ideally along the [[Hudson River]] and moorned to a specially built pier. New York City was selected as the best location due to existing infrastructure and the nearby [[Javits Center|Javits Convention Center]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2023-11-02 |title=Transformative Plan Unveiled to Save America's Flagship |url=https://www.ssusc.org/news/2023/11/2/transformative-plan-unveiled-to-save-americas-flagship-the-ss-united-states |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102193621/https://www.ssusc.org/news/2023/11/2/transformative-plan-unveiled-to-save-americas-flagship-the-ss-united-states |archive-date=2023-11-02 |access-date=2023-11-05 |website=SS United States Conservancy |language=en-US}}</ref> The 2023 plan also included several rendered images of the redesigned ''United States''. These images depict the ship docked along Manhattan's West Side at a public pier located in the [[Hudson River Park]]. In addition, aspects of the hotel were depicted. A key element of the hotel would be one of the ship's funnels, with the top removed and exposed to the sky. This would act as a skylight, illuminating the hotel and event spaces. In addition, the plan also consist of hotel rooms held in the lifeboat davits, a pool between the funnels, and an aft mix interior-exterior ballroom to provide spaces for both hotel and venue operations.<ref name=":3" /> ====2021 Pier 82 rent increase==== A dispute over the 2021 increase of Pier 82's daily rent, from US$850 to US$1700, as well as US$160,000 in unpaid back rent, could cause the ship to lose her berth.<ref>{{cite news |last=Conde |first=Ximena |date=January 31, 2023 |title=The SS United States is in a rent dispute that could leave it without a berth |newspaper=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |url=https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/ss-united-states-conservancy-pier-82-rent-penn-warehousing-20230131.html |access-date=February 1, 2023}}</ref> A trial on the matter in federal court in Philadelphia ran from January 17 to January 18, 2024, with a decision expected in March or April.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Conde |first=Ximena |date=2024-01-17 |title=SS United States is 'every landlord's nightmare,' pier’s lawyer says as rent dispute goes to trial |url=https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/ss-united-states-penn-warehousing-trial-20240117.html |url-access=subscription |website=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |language=en |access-date=2024-01-18}}</ref> It seems Susan Gibbs does not agree to pay the correct amount for Pier and then she has to leave.<ref>https://www.npr.org/2024/03/11/1237529064/the-fastest-ocean-liner-to-cross-the-atlantic-faces-eviction-from-pier?fbclid=IwAR0cpPWCJt451bBsDWAK7k78IF2Xmb7cUB3piVZ08JW3jDR5arge-RtB7Kk</ref> ==Artifacts== ===Artwork=== The [[Mariners' Museum and Park|Mariners' Museum of Newport News]], Virginia, holds many objects from ''United States'', including the <nowiki>''Expressions of Freedom''</nowiki> by Gwen Lux, the aluminum sculpture from the main dining room, purchased during the 1984 auction.<ref name=":1" /> Artwork designed by Charles Gilbert that included glass panels etched with sea creatures and plants from the first-class ballroom, were purchased by [[Celebrity Cruises]] and had initially been incorporated on board the {{Ship|Celebrity|Infinity|4=2}} in her SS ''United States''-themed specialty restaurant.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-05-10 |title=S.S. United States – Celebrity Infinity |url=http://www.cruisetotravel.com/2014/05/11/s-s-united-states-celebrity-infinity/ |access-date=2021-05-06 |website=CRUISE TO TRAVEL |language=en-US}}</ref> At the [[National Museum of American History]], “The Currents” mural by Raymond John Wendell is on display.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mural Painting, The Currents |url=https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1342690 |access-date=2021-05-06 |website=National Museum of American History |language=en}}</ref> Two works by [[Hildreth Meiere|Hildreth Meière]]—the [[mural]]s ''Mississippi'' and ''Father of Waters''—were also brought to the museum; however, they are not on display.<ref name=":0" /> ===Propellers and fittings=== [[File:Prop with bridge.jpg|thumb|One of the propellers at base of [[Throgs Neck Bridge]] in New York]] The ship used four {{cvt|60,000|lb}} [[manganese]] [[bronze]] propellers, two four-bladed outboard, and two inboard five-bladed. One of the four-bladed propellers is mounted at Pier 76 in New York City, while the other is mounted outside the [[United States Merchant Marine Academy|American Merchant Marine Museum]] on the grounds of the [[United States Merchant Marine Academy]] in [[Kings Point, New York|Kings Point]], New York. The starboard-side five-bladed propeller is mounted near the waterfront at [[State University of New York Maritime College|SUNY Maritime College]] in [[Fort Schuyler]], New York, while the port side is at the entrance of the [[Mariners' Museum and Park|Mariner's Museum]] in Newport News, Virginia, mounted on an original {{cvt|63|ft}} long drive shaft.<ref>{{cite web |title=The SS United States' Preserved Propellers |url=https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5df6b4db88a9697f28878602/t/5dfc19f461d2a378c660a3e9/1576802810374/SSUSPropellers.pdf |publisher=SS United States Conservancy |date=June 2014}}</ref> The ship's bell is kept in the clock tower on the campus of [[Christopher Newport University]] in Newport News, Virginia. It is used to celebrate special events, including being rung by incoming freshman and by outgoing graduates.<ref>{{cite web |title=Traditions – Who We Are |url=https://cnu.edu/whoweare/traditions/ |publisher=Christopher Newport University |access-date=29 July 2020}}</ref> One of the ship's horns stood on display for decades above the Rent-A-Tool building in [[Revere, Massachusetts]], and has since been sold to a private collector in Texas for $8,000 in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Journal |title=Rent-A-Tool to Close April 25 After 63 Years in Business |url=https://reverejournal.com/2017/04/22/rent-a-tool-to-close-april-25-after-63-years-in-business/ |access-date=2021-05-06 |website=reverejournal.com |date=April 22, 2017 |language=en-US}}</ref> A large collection of dining room furniture and other memorabilia that had been purchased during the 1984 auction, and incorporated at the Windmill Point Restaurant in [[Nags Head, North Carolina|Nags Head]], North Carolina, was donated to the [[Mariners' Museum and Park|Mariners' Museum]] and [[Christopher Newport University]] in Newport News after the restaurant shut down in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-03-02 |title=Windmill Point set to go out in a blaze of glory |url=https://www.outerbanksvoice.com/2011/03/01/windmill-point-set-to-go-out-in-a-blaze-of-glory/ |access-date=2021-05-09 |website=The Outer Banks Voice |language=en-US}}</ref> The chairs from the tourist class dining room are used in the [[Mariners' Museum and Park|Mariners' Museum]] cafe.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}} ==Speed records== With both the eastbound and westbound speed records, SS ''United States'' obtained the [[Blue Riband]] which marked the first time a US-flagged ship had held the record since {{SS|Baltic|1850|6}} claimed the prize 100 years earlier. ''United States'' maintained a {{cvt|30|kn|0}} crossing speed on the North Atlantic in a service career that lasted 17 years. The ship remained unchallenged for the Blue Riband throughout her career. During this period the fast trans-Atlantic passenger trade moved to air travel, and many regard the story of the Blue Riband as having ended with ''United States''.<ref name="Kludas">{{cite book |first=Arnold |last=Kludas |title=Record Breakers of the North Atlantic: The Blue Riband Liners, 1838–1952 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_QOaaU5UwRcC |access-date=2010-10-03 |date=April 2002 |publisher=Brassey, Inc |page=136 |isbn=978-1-57488-458-6}}</ref> Her east-bound record has [[Virgin Atlantic Challenge Trophy|since been broken]] several times (first, in 1986, by ''Virgin Atlantic Challenger II''), and her west-bound record [[Columbus Atlantic Trophy|was broken in 1990]] by ''[[Destriero]]'', but these vessels were not passenger-carrying ocean liners. The [[Hales Trophy]] itself was lost in 1990 to ''[[Hoverspeed Great Britain]]'', setting a new eastbound speed record for a commercial vessel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HSC HOVERSPEED GREAT BRITAIN (1990) |url=https://www.faktaomfartyg.se/hoverspeed_great_britain_1990.htm |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=www.faktaomfartyg.se}}</ref> ==In film== {{ref improve|section|date=July 2022}} ===Documentaries=== *''The Superliners: Twilight of An Era'' ([[National Geographic]] 1985)<ref>{{Citation |title=The Superliners: Twilight of an Era |date=1985-05-26 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2159645/ |type=Documentary, History |access-date=2021-05-15}}</ref> *''The SS United States: From Dream to Reality'' (1992, [[Mariners' Museum and Park|Mariner's Museum]]) *''Floating Palaces'' (1996)<ref>{{Citation |title=Floating Palaces |date=1996-04-26 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0322291/ |first=Fritz |last=Weaver |access-date=2021-05-15}}</ref> *''[[SS United States: Lady in Waiting]]'' (2008) *''SS United States: Made in America'' (2013) *''Inside The Abandoned S.S United States'' (2021)<ref>{{Citation |title=Inside The ABANDONED S.S United States |date=2021-07-23 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuBKewWTag0/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/EuBKewWTag0 |archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-25}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ===Cameos=== *''[[Sabrina (1954 film)|Sabrina]]'' (1954) *''[[Gentlemen Marry Brunettes]]'' (1955)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Conservancy |first=SSUS |date=2017-10-25 |title=SS United States on Screen: Gentlemen Marry Brunettes (1955) |url=https://www.wearetheunitedstates.org/single-post/2017/10/21/ss-united-states-film-gentlemen-marry-brunettes |access-date=2021-05-09 |website=we-are-the-us |language=en}}</ref> *''[[West Side Story (1961 film)|West Side Story]]'' (1961) *''[[Bon Voyage! (1962 film)|Bon Voyage!]]'' (1962) *''[[Munster, Go Home!]]'' (1966) *''[[Dead Man Down]]'' (2013) ==Bibliography == *''A Man and His Ship: America's Greatest Naval Architect and His Quest to Build the S.S. United States'', Steven Ujifusa, Simon & Schuster; Reprint edition (June 4, 2013), {{ISBN|1451645090}} *''Crossing on Time: Steam Engines, Fast Ships, and a Journey to the New World,'' [[David Macaulay]], Roaring Brook Press (May 7, 2019),{{ISBN|1596434775}}<!-- ISBN 978-1-59643-477-6 --> *''Picture History of the SS United States'', William H. Miller, Dover Publications (July 12, 2012), {{ASIN|B00A73FIMK}} *''SS United States: An Operational Guide to America's Flagship'', James Rindfleisch, Schiffer; (June 2023), {{ISBN|978-0764366550}} *''SS United States: America's Superliner'', Les Streater'','' Maritime Publishing Co. (2011)'','' {{ISBN|0953103560}} *''S.S. United States: The Story of America's Greatest Ocean Liner'', William H. Miller, W.W. Norton & Company (1991), {{ISBN|0393030628}} *''S.S. United States: Fastest Ship in the World'', Frank Braynard & Robert Hudson Westover, Turner Publishing Company (2002), {{ISBN|1563118246}} *''SS United States'', Andrew Britton, The History Press (July 15, 2012), {{ISBN|0752479539}} *''SS United States: Red, White, and Blue Riband, Forever'', John Maxtone-Graham, W. W. Norton & Company; 1st edition (October 27, 2014), {{ISBN|039324170X}} *''SS United States: Speed Queen of the Seas'', William H. Miller, Amberley Publishing (March 24, 2015), {{ASIN|B00V76G2O4}} *''SS United States: Ship of Power, Might, and Indecision,'' William H. Miller, Fonthill Media, (March 22, 2022), {{ISBN|1625451156}} *''Superliner S.S. United States'', Henry Billings, The Viking Press (1953) *''The Big Ship: The Story of the S.S. United States'', Frank O. Braynard, Turner (1981), {{ISBN|1596527641}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Braynard |first=Frank O. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/745439004 |title=The big ship : the story of the S.S. United States |date=2011 |publisher=Turner |isbn=978-1-59652-764-5 |edition=[New ed.] |location=New York |oclc=745439004}}</ref> *''The Last Great Race, The S.S. United States and the Blue Riband'', Lawrence M. Driscoll, The Glencannon Press; First edition, first printing. (June 17, 2013) ==See also== {{Portal|Philadelphia}} === Related American passenger ships === *[[SS Leviathan|SS ''Leviathan'']] *[[SS California (1927)|SS ''California'' (1927)]] *[[SS Brazil (1928)|SS ''Virginia'' (1928)]] *[[SS Argentina (1929)|SS ''Pennsylvania'' (1929)]] *[[SS Manhattan (1931)|SS ''Manhattan'' (1931)]] *[[SS Washington|SS ''Washington'' (1932)]] *[[SS The Emerald|SS ''Santa Rosa'' (1958)]] *[[Pride of America|MS ''Pride of America'' (2002)]] ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} ==External links== {{Commons category|IMO 5373476}} {{External media|image1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120426085435/http://www2.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/190011590 ''The Liner "United States" Passing 42nd Street, New York''] (c. 1952) by [[Andreas Feininger]], [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]]}} *{{HAER |survey=PA-647 |id=pa4126 |title=SS ''United States''}} *[https://digital.wolfsonian.org/WOLF076961/00001/thumbs SS ''United States'': Cruise Deck Plan] *[http://www.ssusc.org/ SS ''United States'' Conservancy<!-- ship name not italicized at org's website -->], current owner of SS ''United States'' *{{cite magazine |url=https://www.newyorker.com/fiction/poetry/2007/04/16/070416po_poem_williams |title=Poetry – The ''United States'' |first=C. K. |last=Williams |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |date=April 16, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110092236/http://www.newyorker.com/fiction/poetry/2007/04/16/070416po_poem_williams |archive-date=January 10, 2014 |df=mdy-all}} *[https://www.hildrethmeiere.org/commissions/ss-united-states SS ''United States'' Onboard Artwork: Hildreth Meière] *[https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/UNITED-STATES-IMO-5373476-MMSI-0 Information on SS ''United States'' from vesselfinder.com] This page gives a list of registered owners of the ship. *[https://web.archive.org/web/20080602110151/http://united-states-lines.org/ssunited.htm SS ''United States''], archive of various stories from the ''united-states-lines.org'' website *[http://ss-united-states.com/ SS ''United States''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702193222/http://www.ss-united-states.com/ |date=July 2, 2020 }}, ''ss-united-states.com'', an outdated conservation website *[https://web.archive.org/web/20120923100740/http://www.ssmaritime.com:80/SS-United-States3.htm SS ''United States'' photographs], archive of the ''ssmaritime.com'' website *[http://maritimematters.com/2012/09/ss-united-states-pilgrimage-part-one-a-look-inside SS ''United States'' photographs], ''maritimematters.com'' website *[https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-07-02-ss-united-states_N.htm 2007 news article] from [https://www.usatoday.com/ ''USA Today''] *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuBKewWTag0&ab_channel=BrightSunFilms Inside the Abandoned S.S. ''United States''], 2021 YouTube video *[https://digital.wolfsonian.org/WOLF076954/00001/thumbs First Class Deck Plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024173132/https://digital.wolfsonian.org/WOLF076954/00001/thumbs |date=October 24, 2021 }} *[https://digital.wolfsonian.org/WOLF038423/00001/thumbs Cabin Class Deck Plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024173134/https://digital.wolfsonian.org/WOLF038423/00001/thumbs |date=October 24, 2021 }} *[https://digital.wolfsonian.org/WOLF076955/00001/thumbs Tourist Class Deck Plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024173133/https://digital.wolfsonian.org/WOLF076955/00001/thumbs |date=October 24, 2021 }} *[https://archive.org/details/ss_united_states_deck_plans_1954_scan1 1954 Deck Plans] {{Ocean liners designed by William Francis Gibbs}}{{Philadelphia}}{{Registered Historic Places}} {{s-start}} {{s-ach|rec}} {{s-bef|rows=2|before=[[RMS Queen Mary|''Queen Mary'']]}} {{s-ttl|title=Holder of the [[Blue Riband]] (eastbound record)|years=1952–present}} {{s-aft|rows=2|after=None<!--<ref>The story of the Blue Riband is regarded by many as having ended with the ''United States'' (see Kludas p136). The east-bound record has been broken several times (first time in 1980), and west-bound record in 1990, but these vessels were not passenger-carrying ocean liners</ref>-->}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Blue Riband]] (westbound record) |years=1952–present}} |- {{s-bef|rows=2|before=[[SS Normandie|''Normandie'']]}} {{s-ttl|title=Holder of the [[Hales Trophy]] |years=1952–1990}} {{s-aft|after=''[[Hoverspeed Great Britain]]''}} {{s-end}} {{DEFAULTSORT:United States}} [[Category:Ocean liners]] [[Category:Steamships of the United States]] [[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Philadelphia]] [[Category:Blue Riband holders]] [[Category:Historic American Engineering Record in Philadelphia]] [[Category:Passenger ships of the United States]] [[Category:Ships built in Newport News, Virginia]] [[Category:Ships of the United States Lines]] [[Category:Ships on the National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania]] [[Category:1951 ships]]'