The battle to save the SS United States, one of America’s most historic ships, which spent most of its career traveling between New York City and Southampton, England, continues. The SS United States Conservancy transferred ownership of the SS United States to Okaloosa County, Florida in order to convert the ship into the world’s largest artificial reef.
The Conservancy had failed in its effort to raise $500,000 to help cover the costs of preservation and reloceation from its pier in Philadelphia where it has sat virtually abandoned for decades.
The SS United States was launched in 1951 as the largest ocean liner constructed entirely in the United States, and still holds the transatlantic speed record, achieved on her maiden voyage using only two-thirds of her power. When she landed at Southhampton, some 70,000 people were on hand to witness its arrival.
The ship transported presidents, stars of stage and screen, heads of state, tourists, members of the armed forces, and immigrants until the advent of the jet age forced her retirement in 1969.
The SS United States was scheduled to leave the Pier 82 in Philadelphia on November 12th to be taken to Mobile, Alabama and prepared for sinking, a process expected to take several months. However, the U.S. Coast Guard has delayed the ship’s departure from Philadelphia on the grounds that it is not seaworthy.
John Quadrozzi, Jr, the owner of the Gowanus Bay Terminal in Red Hook, has proposed that the ship be acquired from Okaloosa County and brought to Brooklyn and put on display. Quadrozzi has said the ship could be re-imagined to feature residences and commercial spaces.
Supporters of the plan point to similar ships such as the Queen Mary in Long Beach California, the Queen Elizabeth in Dubai, and the Rotterdam in the Netherlands that have been successful repurposed as floating hotels and tourist attractions.
Quadorzzi and his backers, including members of the Lower Manhattan Historical Association, have formed the New York Coalition to Save the SS United States in a last ditch effort to prevent the ship from being sunk off Florida. Among the Coalition’s arguments is that Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act precludes the historic vessel from being destroyed with out a public hearing and consideration of alternatives.
New York City Councilwoman Gayle Brewer has introduced a resolution in City Council supporting the Coalition’s efforts and a hearing is planned for early January.
“The loss to New York and the nation of this great maritime artifact would be incalculable,” said James S. Kaplan, who is chair of the Lower Manhattan Historical Association, Director of the New York Coalition to Save the Steamship United States, and a regular contributor to New York Almanack.
“We urge all New Yorkers and all Americans to support the efforts of the New York Coalition to Save the Steam Ship Untied States and their public representatives to save this great ship that was the pride of American engineering and could be a critical part of a revitalized Brooklyn Waterfront,” Kaplan told the Almanack.
Fore more information email Kaplan at Jskaplanesq@gmail.com.
Learn more about New York State’s maritime history.
Illustrations from above: SS United States at the Pier in Philadelphia, 2024 (CBS); and the SS United States arrives in New York Harbor, New York City, 1952.
Bravo! Tenafly High School hosted a STEM competition in honor of the SS United States,
https://www.wearetheunitedstates.org/single-post/2018/05/02/william-francis-gibbs-interscholastic-design-competition-tenafly-highschool
and we had Steven Ujifusa speak to our students about her. How wonderful it would be to have the SS United States above the water for all to learn from!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEJ9auOpjXQ
Please keep us posted!
My link above is http://www.librarymedia.net – Tenafly High School Library Media Broadcast Center. I do hope that the SS United States will become the Centerpiece of Red Hook development! I hope our students can be among the first field trips to visit the SS United States, in Brooklyn, to learn from and be inspired by all American ingenuity! A better use than diving to a funnel free hulk at the bottom of the sea. Any other ship can be sunk, but not this one!
Absolutely!
I am extremely pleased to hear that there is still a possibility of saving this NATIONAL TREASURE!!! I strongly believe that the SS UNITED STATES deserves a “re-birth” for all to treasure, marvel at, and that she be treated with the same regard as the Statue of Liberty.
I live in BOSTON and we have the distinct honor, being the birthplace of AMERICA itself, to have the USS CONSTITUTION at berth here at the Charlestown Navy Yard. Fondly nicknamed “OLD IRONSIDES” because British cannonballs would bounce of her nearly 2 foot wide solid oak hull.
She is the oldest still-COMMISSIONED WARSHIP IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. She is cherished and honored all year round and every year on July 4th She “sets sail” in Boston harbor for a full cannon salute before she is re-berthed after being turned 180 degrees to maintain more “even” weathering on both the port and starboard.
Millions of dollars have been INVESTED to keep her in pristine condition.
I really believe that the SS UNITED STATES deserves a similar way to spend her “golden years” She’s not dead yet so, let’s not be so quick to “pull the plug” and sink her as some kind of underwater “amusement park”.
We should be ASHAMED for even considering thinking about that. We have ONE last chance to “do the right thing”. Let’s not blow it!!
If we can afford BILLIONS AND BILLIONS of AMERICAN $$$ to give to other countries to kill as many of each other as they can, then we can afford to do something GRAND for OUR own country!!!
I would like to add to my comments that I also believe that the SS UNITED STATES should be permanently docked in NEW YORK HARBOR. This may be a surprise coming from a BOSTONIAN, but NEW YORK was her proud home-port in the U.S. and would be the best place to showcase her magnificent beauty!!
As someone that as a British
Merchant Mariner and was employed by Cunard Lines , QE2; it would be great to see this liner saved , it would be huge project. I’m also a SCUBA diver so a reefing would be better than a total scrapping.
Amen!
The ship is going to be sunk and that’s the end of it
“Things which are impossible with men are possible with God”
Luke 18:27
Amen to Susan’s comment ““Things which are impossible with men are possible with God”
Luke 18:27”
100% Agreed!
Can it be true? It’s not too late to save her from a watery grave? So glad her departure from Pier 82 is delayed for now. Is progress being made to bring her to NY?
You’re absolutely right! Doesn’t reflect very well on us as a nation to sink our namesake flagship. She was the fastest ocean liner of all time built right here in the USA. Deliberately sinking her would be a disgrace.
Steve, Would you settle for a re-bErth? Just sayin … :-)
I prefer the move to New York. I don’t want to see her sunk period. My 2 cents worth.
Jim.Ballard@gmail.com
She belongs in NY!
I think what would be the ultimate is to bring g her home to pier 76.
After all, it still says to this day UNITED STATES LINES.
Perfect…Welcome home Big U!
Our family sailed on the SS United States in May 1954 from New York City to Southampton, England. My dad, an officer in the US Navy, was being transferred to England to serve at the US Embassy. We rode the same ship home again in November 1955. Both trips were amazing. Somehow, we were in First Class in both directions. The trip home was a bit rough, as winter storms were beginning to rough up the ocean waters.
It is very sad to see pictures of this ship today compared to my memories of a beautiful vessel in 1954-55. Having it revived and resting in New York would be far more worthy than sunk in the Gulf of Mexico.
The SS United States was designed to be capable of carrying military personnel in times of war. It was a very fast ship holding the title as the fastest ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean from New York City to Southampton. It was designed with a hull width able to pass through the Panama Canal as it was in the 1950s. The canal has since been widened to accommodate much larger ships. The trip across the Atlantic took about 3 days!
Bill, Hold that thought! You know the graveyard is in the Gulf of America, right? – My ArmyBrat family missed crossing on the SS United States. In 1955 and 1957 we were accommodated on UncleSam’s USNS ships instead. We were POCWs: Prisoners of the Cold War. :-)
Amen Amen and amen 🙏 I’m so shocked someone hasn’t done anything with our flagship in the 27 or so years she’s been sitting at pier 82 in Philadelphia ?!! What a shame it would be that the Great USA can permanently moor the queen Elizabeth in Los Angeles California which was a British competitor too our SS United States ship which our SS United States took the speed record trophy away from queen mary on its maiden voyage in 1952 !!! It’s just not right for us a a nation too let our engineering marvel sit and rot of sink it while we honor and display a competitors ship on our USA shores I’m all for moving it too New York let’s get this done for tye pride of our own country thanks and GOD BLESS !!!
The ship Queen Mary is located in Long Beach, California. The ship Queen Elizabeth was destroyed by fire in Hong Kong Harbor and salvaged.
My aunt and uncle took many trips from NY on SS United States. My brother’s and I would come aboard with my parents to see them off on their voyage. It would be a crime to sink this ship, no matter what they plan to do with it.
I saw the majestic SS United States the first time when I was 8 years old . I was in awe as to its height and beauty . My aunt worked for Babcock & Wilcox Co who made the boilers for this great ship . What a tragedy to sink this marvelous example of American Might and Engineering , PLEASE SAVE IT AND RETURN IT TO BEAUTY & GLORY FOR ALL TO ENJOY.
Please save the united states flag ship and bring back the beautiful ship it once was it is our history and sinking it will keep future generations from being able to see it in person I feel like it should be a crime to sink it if somebody is willing to save it let them because there trying to save our history.
She’s a beautiful and needs to be saved at all costs / If we can send vehicles into space costing a penny or two then we can save the s.s. UNITED STATES / She started my interest in 1954 and I was fortunate enough to make 4 of her last 6 voyages in 69 / She belongs here in NYC and still has her two red, white and blue crowns above her / I did Hurricane Camille aboard her with my crew cabin just behind the port anchor out there in the real mid North Atlantic / Please do all you can to save her and her terrific history that William Francis Gibbs created / Lets cross paths and save the World’s fastest Merchant Vessel / Three LONG TOOTS / I am J. Fred Jr. from Staten Island, NYC /
Hello Fred,
Great comment! Are you the ‘Fred Rodriguez’ who contributed a chapter and splendid photos to William H. Miller’s excellent book ‘SS UNITED STATES – THE STORY OF AMERICA’S OCEAN LINER’ ? What an experience it must have been to serve aboard that wonderful ship. Also, I love your account of the ship’s hurried departure from her New York pier to Norfolk, after her final transatlantic voyage. Hoping you might add your voice to those who are trying to save the ship now.
From an English admirer of the ship.
Yes that’s him
I sincerely hope there is a possibility to save the SS United States and convince Okaloosa County (almost 75% MAGA) not to sink the SS United States off their shores. I would love to do more that write and post. If I had billions, rest assured I would save the SS United States. I do not, but stand ready to help in other ways – as a public educator – a soon to be Councilman Emeritus – or as a citizen. I can be reached at Tenafly High School. Best to all in 2025!
The response to this article has been overwhelming. We are just getting organized but are directing inquiries our Chief Preservation Officer Jason Wade. Contact him a this website nycsavessus.org
If necessary you can contact me at jamesjkaplanesq@gmail.com
Or call 646-383-3688
(This message is actually directed at James Kaplan, but the system won’t let me tag him.)
Hmm, nycsavessus.org doesn’t exist. Not only is there no website, the domain isn’t even registered to anyone.
Also, if this is a serious proposal, where have you all been for the last ~30 years?!
I sailed to Le Havre, France with my family in Aug of ’62. As a 10 year old, the most memorable part of our trip was my voyage aboard America’s Flag ship!
I recall standing next to the massive forward funnel approaching New York on our return with the ships whistle sounded her mighty blast as we were in fog. It shook my very soul and secured my life long love affair with the SS United States.
Standing on deck mid-Atlantic, I could barely keep on my feet as she was obviously traveling at 30 plus knots!
I served 4 years in the Navy, three different ships while assigned to my squadron, but never felt the same as I did for the SS United States!
She belongs in New York …… not sunk in the gulf!
!00% Agree.
I can’t understand how Okaloosa County would want to do such a thing. I so very much hope that the folks mentioned in the article above can be effective in saving this ship.
best news ever it would be a crime too see the best liner ever built sunk,this plan must happen,paint the ship in full united states lines livery and moor it in new york it will be the best tourist attraction ever.even if it is repurposed im sure it could make the journey to new york.
I’ve been following the ship only for the last year or so since moving to NJ. It is a treasure and should be preserved. There is no shortage of genuine love for the liner and desire to see a better outcome, however the reality is that any endeavor to preserve her is going to be very expensive to do a restoration and then keep up with monthly expenses and maintenance. If Okaloosa County is spending $10M just to sink her…
There are enough benefactors in this area to raise the funds in a NY minute. Private investment is an option, but too easy to fail and abandon half-done. I’d like to see the details of what it would cost to refurb and maintain, and why it’s been sitting in Philly for all these years without a good outcome.
Is this group prepared to present a solid business plan? How will they raise the hundreds of millions of dollars to pay for the refurbishment? Do they even have the money to buy the ship from Okaloosa County, and to get it in shape for the tow to NYC? The first logical step is to put it in dry dock and get the hull into top condition…where will that be done and how will it be paid for? Where will they moor it? The Queen Mary may not be a great example…a few years ago, it was estimated that she needed nearly $300 million in repairs.
I agree, dry dock and get it in shape. Paint and give it back the color and let its beauty shine in Red, White, and Blue! The interior can be accomplished in phases. Create a design for the basics – plumbing and electric and go from there. This is a project where unions, workers, investors, volunteers, youth, etc. can all come together in a beautiful way. Museum, office space, galleries, bars, restaurants, library, children’s park, etc. – basically a mall of mixed uses – all on the ship – from all around the World – in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty!
Out of curiousity, how much do you imagine all that will cost?
You can email me at Jskaplanesq@gmail.com
or call at 646-383-3688.
We are setting up our website.
Our press spokes person is Jason Wade. You can reach him at jasonwade1992@gmail.com
Look at Manhattan and ALL the $$$$$$ there! How many meals must be eaten a day? Those with means; put some of that money to embrace ourselves as Americans! And let us have a another rare Jackie Onassis Kennedy moment for the proletariate and all others!
In 1969 I had the distinct pleasure of sailing on the SS United States with my family from New York harbor to Bremerhaven Germany.
I was 13 years old at the time I am now 67 I’m the thought of that grand beautiful ship being sunk makes me sad beyond belief. I’ll never forget standing at the stern of the ship looking out at the wake of the ship created hearing and feeling the gentle rumble of its massive engines. I still have two steamer trunks with various labeling saying SS United States. I truly hope the gentleman and others from Brooklyn are able to save this national treasure. I’m amazed that one of these billionaires in this country doesn’t take an interest in helping with this process.
I remain hopeful that this beautiful grand old liner will be rescued and I applaud the gentleman from Brooklyn and everyone else involved in trying to make that happen.
Thank you.
My parents were with the US Foreign Service, which allowed the family to return to the US on home leave every two years. We sailed the New York-Le Havre route on the United States and on her sister ship a number of times (I can’t recall the number or the dates), and on The Constitution and Independence (American Export Lines) servicing the New York-Naples (sometimes Genoa) route.
I last sailed on the SS United States from New York to Le Havre in 1969.
I have extremely fond memories of her, as of the America, Constitution and Independence, and am saddened at the thought of her being sunk to become a reef.
May you be successful in your endeavors to give her a new life in Manhattan!
RXR Realty could take another look at the ship and simply convert her to a Office building, Conference center, and Maritime Museum. The renovation should focus on the stripped out interiors of the ship’s passenger accommodations and crew cabins. The exterior of the ship restored to her 1952 profile, with davits and fake life boats. The public areas of the ship rebuilt to how they were as event space and restaurants. The passenger and crew cabins converted to office rooms and conference rooms. The engine space and crew work area left alone to become part of the museum experience. The total cost? Less than $300 Million.
John Quadrozzi Jr.’s plan for the Big U would be realized if RXR Realty joins the Coalition to save the ship. John Quadrozzi Jr. has the pier ready to house the ship. RXR Realty has the money to make the dream come true. This might be the best way to convince Okaloosa County to sell the ship.
One of the County Commissioners, evidentially a very respected and sensible one voted against the purchase of the SS United States. Perhaps if there were an opportunity to cut their losses and flip the ship, she could convince her Commissioner Colleagues to do so, vote on a resolution to sell. It would be most patriotic to do so!
There is no way that John Quadrozzi, Jr. will restore the SS United States by himself. For his plan to work, he needs to get RXR Realty involved. The focus on the plan is that Mr. Quadrozzi has a pier dock that can be renovated to house the ship. RXR was looking for a pier, to which Quadrozzi has. This should revive RXR’s plans to bring the Big U to Brooklyn.
We are currenlty seeking sourcess of fundng from the City, State amd Federal governments as aell as walthy private investors. RXR has not as yet reposnded to our inquiries but there are perhaps other wealthy patrons who will.Our effort continues.We have had a significant enthusiastic reponse to this article. The movement of the ship out of Philadelphis has been delayer and. we have offered to buy the ship from Okaloosa County ( no response yet). We remain hopeful that ultimately we will receive sufficient support from New Yorkers and Americans throughout the country as well as iinternational ship enthusiasts.
If you are interested in helping please contact Jason Wade, our cheif preservation officer at jasonwade1992@gmail.com
James S. Kaplan
Director, New York Coalition to Save the SS United States
Chairman Lower Manhattan Historical Association., Regular columnist Newe York Almanack
Jskaplanesq@gmail,com
646-383-3688
I’m all for helping to save this piece of American history. It would be wonderful if the vessel would be restored to its former glory. It belongs to the American people and we want it back!
The SS United States: Preserving a National Treasure
In a time where historical significance is often overshadowed by modern advancements, the fate of the SS United States hangs in the balance. Once a beacon of American innovation and maritime superiority, this vessel now teeters on the edge of being consigned to the depths as an artificial reef. The stakes are high; losing the SS United States would not only mean losing a ship but also a vital piece of our national heritage.
Launched in 1952, the SS United States wasn’t just a cruise liner; it was a marvel of engineering, setting the record for the fastest transatlantic voyage and earning the prestigious Blue Riband. Beyond luxury travel, it served dual purposes during the Cold War, showcasing American prowess and transporting troops when needed. Over the years, it welcomed presidents, dignitaries, and everyday individuals seeking the thrill of a swift Atlantic crossing.
Today, this historic vessel, a designated National Historic Landmark, is destined to be turned into a reef off the coast of Florida. Despite the valiant efforts of the SS United States Conservancy, the ship has been relocated to Alabama for reef conversion. While repurposing old ships is common practice, the SS United States is no ordinary vessel; it embodies a unique chapter of our past that must be preserved.
Hope remains in the form of a proposal by New York preservationists to transform the SS United States into a vibrant cultural and commercial center, echoing the success of projects like the Rotterdam, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and the Queen Mary. The ship’s potential as an educational hub, tourist attraction, or event venue is immense, awaiting only decisive action – perhaps by the President himself.
The clock is ticking. Allowing this iconic ship to slip beneath the waves would signify the loss of an invaluable piece of American history. We call upon President Trump, Congress, and all who value our heritage to rally for its preservation. The SS United States deserves more than a watery grave; it deserves to be preserved as a symbol of American equally as important as the others that represent America at its best.
AMEN !!! We love her !!!
Things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
Luke 18:27
Please save our history and LAST remaining oceanliner from being sunk!
Thank You Lord Jesus!
Thank You!
Some 10,000 people have signed a petition promulgated by the New York Coalition to Save the SS United States urging that Okaloosa County reconsider their plan to sink her as an artificial reef since she sailed to Mobile from Philadelphia.
With $10 million of Okaloosa’s tax money in support of the sinking arrayed against us this is a tough uphill battle. Nevertheless we believe based on the overwhelming support from Americans and New Yorkers around the country we may well prevail. We need all the help we can get.
James s. Kaplan
Chairman, Lower Manhattan Historical Association
Director and Co-founder, New York Coalition to Save the SS United States
646-383-3688