We wouldn’t topple the Statue of Liberty, so save the SS United States

Public polling shows Americans are sharply divided over politics, public policy and cultural issues. We’re not only dissatisfied with the state of the nation, but pessimistic about our prospects for the future. Now is the moment to draw inspiration from the unifying and inspiring symbols of the nation, whose resilience and power can reforge common cause in uncertain times.

Among those great national symbols, America’s global ambassador of strength and innovation, the SS United States, is now on the brink of eviction and possible destruction. Would we consider toppling the Statue of Liberty, demolishing the Lincoln Memorial or melting down the Liberty Bell? Never. Nor should we contemplate scrapping our nation’s flagship — the only vessel that bears the name of our country.

This moment is an opportunity to rediscover our shared history and celebrate our unwavering capacity to do great things together that can captivate the world.

America's flagship is an enduring symbol of our national capacity

America’s flagship began as the dream of an eight-year-old boy who watched in wonder the launch of the SS St Louis along the banks of the Delaware in Philadelphia in 1894. Young Willie Gibbs stood among the crowd of 40,000 as President Grover Cleveland, favorite son of New Jersey, lauded the ship built “on American plans, by American mechanics, and of American materials.”

Almost six decades later, the keel of SS United States was laid in Virginia’s Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company. For William Francis Gibbs, by then America’s most accomplished naval architect, the vessel rising above the landscape was the culmination of a lifelong dream to design the safest, fastest and most advanced vessel the world had ever seen. Three thousand men and women toiled away to build her, complete with components from every state.

Conceived as a public-private partnership between the U.S. government and the United States Lines, she was a Cold War military asset with pioneering, Top Secret technology. Able to quickly transform from luxury liner to military transport, she was capable of carrying 14,000 troops over 10,000 miles without refueling. Her elegant mid-century modern design, American artwork and state-of-the-art fittings made her the envy of the maritime world.

Built like a battleship, but with mid-century modern grace and style, her 240,000 shaft horsepower engines and other features made her an engineering marvel in the days before the moon shot. Her maiden voyage in July 1952 smashed the transatlantic speed record in both directions. It’s hard to fathom in our era of lumbering cruise ships, that a vessel the size of the Chrysler Building laying on its side could blast through the sea at  more than 40 miles per hour.

In her heyday she symbolized our unconquerable, can-do spirit, bringing hope and optimism to people ravaged by the horrors of WWII and its aftermath. The SS United States’ grandeur successfully and gracefully connected the U.S. to the rest of the world. When she entered port, an embodiment of the American Dream arrived with her. She also personified our strive for racial equality, providing integrated spaces on board before they were available in many places at home.  

Over 17 years and 800, incident-free crossings, the most famous ship that didn’t sink played host to everyone from A-list celebrities of the “Mad Men” era, former and future U.S. Presidents, tourists and immigrants. Icons in their own right including Bob Hope, John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace of Monaco, Salvador Dali, Rita Hayworth, Harry Truman, John and Jackie Kennedy, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Duke Ellington and more luminaries of the age graced the decks of the fastest ship ever built.

The jet age spelled the end of the SS United States’ service career in 1969. Since then, though the illustrious name on her now is marked by age and her red, white and blue funnels are worn and faded, she has stood the test of time, waiting for renewal.

In 2011, facing the scrappers' torch, the SS United States Conservancy, a national nonprofit organization, purchased America’s Flagship thanks to a generous donation by Philadelphia philanthropist Gerry Lenfest. She’s been safely afloat and cared for ever since.

Where will the SS United States dock?:Massive, historic 'America's flagship' must leave Philadelphia port

SS United States faces twin threats

Last year, together with leading New York developer, RXR, and hotelier, MCR Hotels, the SS United States Conservancy unveiled a transformative redevelopment plan that demonstrates the ship’s commercial viability as a permanently moored mixed-use waterfront destination and museum. The plan proved the enormous economic potential of the ship, which would create thousands of jobs and produce millions in direct and indirect revenue for New York, Philadelphia, Miami, or Virginia’s Hampton Roads region — or another port city willing to provide her with a home.

But this American symbol faces twin threats to her survival.

During the pandemic, the SS United States’ landlord attempted to double the ship’s rent without notice in an effort to force her off her current pier. After a lengthy legal dispute, a federal court ruled in favor of the Conservancy on the issue of rent, but ordered the 1000 foot-long ship to be moved by Sept. 12, 2024.

Now, the ship that raced across the Atlantic is in a race against time to find a new temporary or permanent location. Having never taken any government funds, the Conservancy now needs Americans, global supporters, business and political leaders to unite to save the SS United States. This is a chance for President Joe Biden, Gov. Josh Shapiro, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Gov. Ron DeSantis, or Gov. Kathy Hochul; members of Congress, local officials, or even the U.S. Navy to put aside political agendas and help save this symbol of our nation’s highest ideals. 

This imminent danger facing our nation’s flagship should be a rallying cry to save this towering personification of what we can accomplish when we dare to do great things and embrace not only what is, but what is possible.

The SS United States can and must be saved. She needs a new berth now. By uniting behind our flagship, we can ensure this enduring expression of American innovation inspires future generations to greatness. The world is watching whether the ship that represents our values will have a bright future, or become a tragic metaphor for national decline, division and demoralization.

Susan Gibbs is the President of the SS United States Conservancy, owners and caretakers of America’s Flagship, and the granddaughter of the ship’s designer, William Francis Gibbs. Those wishing to contribute to saving America’s Flagship can visit www.SavetheUnitedStates.org.