Philadelphia's Rich Nautical History - Part IV SS United States

Last month, we ran a weblog story on the SS United States, that lies at Pier 82 on Philadelphia's waterfront.  Since that time, I had a chance to visit this beautiful but aging ship at its berth. Since I spend so much time diving sunken ocean liners, it is so humbling to see how huge and majestic these ships are at their piers. The United States is not opened to the public and is fenced in by industrial corporations that let trucks ladened with cargo in and out of the piers. I took this photo on Sunday while positioning the camera through a metal fence.

There are two conservatory groups that are trying to preserve and save the United States. The two groups are the SS United States Foundation and the SS United States Conservancy. Obviously there is a lot of love for this ship and it is probably too simplistic to think that these two organizations should work together in preserving and saving the United States. I had a wonderful conversation with Daniel Trachtenberg, President of the SS United States Foundation about the ship and he felt very optimistic that the United States can be saved. Both organizations have very active groups that conduct regular meetings and activities throughout the year. I applaud all their efforts and I wish them the best of luck on their objectives. This ship is a national treasure that I would hate to see leave us! The United States is still recognized for the fastest trans-Atlantic crossing and the Hales Trophy (or Blue Riband) has her name enshrined on the trophy. Nautical Research Group spends quite a bit of time doing presentations and research at the Unites States Merchant Marine Academy at King's Point, Long Island, New York where this beautiful trophy is displayed. The following picture was taken in November while visiting with Andrea Doria survivors. To visit our earlier weblog on the United States, please go to:
http://shipwreck.blogs.com/shipwrecks_historical_tim/2005/03/united_states_s.html