Save the S.S. United States.

This isn't related to trucks, but I've been a big fan of a ship called the S.S. United States for years. It was built in 1950 and is a large, 55,000 ton ( Titanic was 45,000 tons) ocean liner that served a double purpose. The ship was built by the US Navy and the United States lines as a cruise ship, but also as a troop transport ship in the event of a war.

As a result the ship is amazingly fast. It is STILL the fastest cruise ship in the world and can go up to 44 MPH. Given its size, that's insane. It is still a technical marvel.

The ship has been laid up since 1969 and since then has been put on the historic registry. Norwegian Cruise Lines bought it in 2003 with the intent of restoring it since there is a law that states that cruises between Hawaii and the US must be done so with US-built ships, hence the United States was perfect. Since the economy has gone sour, those plans have since not happened and NCL is looking for a buyer. They have vaguely suggested that the terms of sale would include not selling the ship for scrap. But who knows?

Either way, to me the S.S. United States is about the only classic cruise ship left in the world, and since it is in excellent mechanical condition, is worthy of restoration.

Visit this site to see how you can help out.

http://www.ssunitedstates.org

 

That ship looks familar. Has, or was it moored in Philadelphia?

 

Yes, that's where it has been for a pretty long time. How easy is it to see it?

 

After checking out the website, i realized that I was correct. It noses right up to Delaware ave, you can walk to the fence about 30 feet from the bow. That is unless they have moved it. Next time I get to South Philly, I will take some pictures for you. I always wondered what as going on with it.

 

So far, not much from what I've read. Given how big the ship is, you'd have to have a huge amount of money just to re-paint it. Don't worry too much about the pics unless its super-convenient. Thanks for the consideration.

 

No problem, it is a good looking ship.

 

wow you think the current pressident woudl want it back.
Use it to move the troops back home again.....

Well maybe some one big will buy it and do the right thing...
bring it back to life. or make it a tourist attraction...