My parents decided to make the move to Germany with us kids on the SS United States‘ next to last journey in the fall of 1969. Can you imagine our Chevrolet Impala was in the ship‘s hold?! It was a memorable trip to Bremerhaven, the ship was incredibly luxurious and truly something special. A strict three class system with minimal mingling and strictly enforced reserved areas for First Class, Cabin Class and Tourist class guests respectively. It was so cool. Bunk beds folding out of the walls of our family cabin. Playing bingo. Skeet shooting. Eating exotic delicacies like Maryland duck or fresh pineapple served by an impossibly elegant African-American steward. Unfortunately the weather got rough and we all got incredibly seasick for two or three days. Once we got to England and then France it was smooth sailing and it was pretty sad leaving the glorious United States….
Its amazing that out of all the millionaires and billionaires in the US that not one of them has stepped up to help save this piece of American History!
It’s because they would never make profit from it. Unfortunately old ships are a hole in the water to throw money into. Millions and millions and millions, while nature and rust constantly try to destroy it.
Thanks for shedding light on a piece of history that many people do not know about. I appreciated the mention that ships are only remembered when they sink and cause tragedy. Ships that were built for safety and efficiency rather than size and luxury should be known of to inspire future generations who may go on to be engineers.
The second I saw the thumbnail pic for the video, I told my girlfriend "I'm pretty sure this is the ship across from IKEA in Philly"... and within the first 60sec of the video I saw a view of the ship with IKEA flags in front of it lol. As a local South Jersey/Philly guy I always wondered the story to that particular vessel. Thanks Ryan. You always have the best segments on this channel. Keep up the great work!!
I hope the SS _United States_ can be saved. It's a great tragedy that none of the amazing British liners were saved, particularly RMS _Olympic_ and _Mauretania_ - would be even more tragic to lose another of the ocean's great ladies.
@@MsMaurice23 _Nomadic_ was saved, sure, but it's not quite the same. She's a glorified ferry, not exactly in the same league as _Olympic_ which was apparently in amazing shape when broken up and could have served for decades more, or easily been preserved. Sadly Cunard didn't believe in preserving ships, so both _Olympic_ and _Mauretania_ went to the scrappers. FDR even sent a letter appealing for _Mauretania_ to be preserved.
Excuse me?? The QUEEN MARY is a British Ocean liner, and was saved from the breakers by THE USA! We just in last year and a half spent millions on structural repairs and restorations on the ship, and she is looking very very good indeed!! She is back open to the public, and the hotel part of the ship is opening soon.
I came all the way to Philli to see this beautiful ship. I stood at the gate and cried, it is so amazing and such a history to be left to sit. You would think with all the money in the world, this ship would be preserved or at least be used as a floating museum. I agree with Ms. Gibbs, I would sink it to before seeing my family's legacy stripped apart. People pass by it every day; we should all support this cause because it is the last. I hope on my next visit I can run into to someone that would allow me a closer look. I'm sure there are more people that would love to tour.
Years ago, I took family on my boat around the S.S. United States, including right under her bow. A beautiful ship with graceful lines, it would indeed be a great loss for her to go to the breakers or be sunk.
Shortly after the United States was berthed in Philadelphia,I was picking up a load of paper from a nearby warehouse and noticed her tied up there. I had time to wander down for a closer look,and the lone guard on duty didn’t care if I walked out onto the pier. I had seen the “Big U” when the ship was laid up at the Norfolk Navel Base,and again after she was moved to the coal docks in Newport News,but never got up close. However,that day in Philly I was actually able to lean out and touch her. I almost fell into the water,but if I had it would have been worth it.
You refer to the Big U as a cruise ship which we was not. Overall, a good presentation. I visited the ship during her layup at Norfolk as a lad of 17. Her Chief Engineer, John Logue, gave me a tour of the aft engine room and we walked the starboard propeller shaft. Then it was on to the major public rooms including the Duck Suite often occupied by the Duke of Windsor and his wife. At the time all of the furnishings were in place in the public rooms and cabins. Thank you for your interest in this fine ocean liner.
I recall the ship sitting in Norfolk in the 1970s when I was in the navy. There were occsional articles in the paper and on television that the ship might be reactivated but nothing ever came of it. Rumours, only. The ship was based in Norfolk and when it was retired, 20,000 people lost their jobs. It was maintained, had all its furnishings and it was kept painted when it sat there. I doubt anything will ever come of it. A shame.
Sailed on the SS United States, in 1960 Germany to New York when Father's Air Force duty was finished. He bought a 1956 VW 23 window Bus in Germany, 1957 for $500, that Vehicle was on board with us.
I was 9 years old, 1961 Paramus Nj. Went on a school field trip to NYC and toured the SS United States. I still vividly remember the dining room, staterooms, stairs, and walking around the decks. It was a sunny day and a beautiful ship. I've traveled into Philadelphia and am looking from the bridge at the sad condition of that once great ocean liner.
My late Mom’s favorite ship. She saved up her money and took one first class trip on it (she was going between her family in Germany and her home in Chicago regularly during the 1950s). Captain’s table one dinner (didn’t hurt that she was pretty).
The inside has been completely stripped. It is past the point where it can be preserved or restored. Not to mention that there is no demand for it. The Queen Mary, which was never stripped. is not profitable.
When I was a child, my parents' best friends were Johnny and Mabel Logue, Johnny being the chief engineer of the United States. My sister and I were friends with their daughter Jean as well. We spent many a time visiting their house in Cresskill, NJ or they would visit our house in Closter, NJ. I remember them all very fondly.
Great point about saving a historic ship that did not suffer major tragedy. It would be great to have the S.S. United States in a proper state of preservation. Think about it, the USA currently has the S.S. United States, the last transatlantic-ocean-liners-era ship to win the North-Atlantic-Crossing-Speed-Blue-Ribbon, on the U.S.A.'s East Coast, while the ship that the S.S. United States had taken said ribbon from, the R.M.S. Queen Mary, remains anchored and preserved on the USA's West Coast.
IMHO the SS United States would have found a buyer willing to convert or refurbish her at some point, if its prior owners hadn't so shortsightedly stripped her interior back to bare metal
@@JJMHigner - um, no. The Hadley group purchased the ship in 1980 and in 1984 they took out all of the furniture and fixtures and auctioned them off to raise money for its upkeep and to help repurpose it for a time share based hotel. Sadly, it didn't bring in half the money they expected, and by 1992 they had defaulted and the ship was seized by US Marshals and auctioned off once again 😒😒
Then why is the Queen Mary in Long Beach being kept as a multi use attraction if old historic ship have seen their day? This deal sounds like mis management by folks who have ideas but no business sense and are not well connected to those with money.
@@edcook9747 well, yeah, old historic ships have seen their day. The SS United States would most likely have been converted to something similar to the Queen Mary, but with all of its interiors gone, the price to do so was many times higher
And there are Porches, Ferraris , And other supercars that get crushed. ..whats the point? She was once fast. Hasn't moved on her own power since 1969.
Took my first ship ride back early 60,s .Such a awesome trip from NYC to Southampton UK. We saw the Music Man it it's theater. Indoor stainless steel swimming pool . It was a city unto itself. Great memory ..
Somehow folks think restoring a ship is like saving a rusted out old car from the junk yard. This ship should have gone to the breakers years ago. It's junk. I saw it about 10 years ago and it was shot. It's not like fine wine. What I would like to see done with it, is to be towed to sea and sunk as a reef. Be a great place for divers to explore.
Actually, the opposite is true. It's apparent that no one (including the U.S. Navy, a profligate spender) is willing to throw money into this decaying pipe dream because it's simply uneconomical and has no real purpose except as a pile of scrap. That's the smart move. Want to guess how much richer the USA is today as opposed to 1952?
@@guyelluzzi2705 That's due to how the current population of American is acting. Not motivation but literally its been conditioned to pretty much give up at the first mistake and not finding a alternate solution or similar. Your own comment reflects this. Yet some of it does exist still. It just needs the proper guidance. USS Texas and RMS Queen Mary are proof of this. Both were in danger and now both are undergoing repairs despite the negativity of thousands that simply gave up and wanted them scrapped.
@@Quetzalcoatl_Feathered_Serpent I've spent a night at the queen Mary hotel, and have visited it several times as a tourist. I have also spent 2 nights on the Texas with a cub scout group. In order to save ships like this, there needs to be a way to make the ships make financial sense. The queen Mary hotel is great to experience the old ship architecture. It takes a bit to get used to the brass plumbing fixtures. THE Texas has a lot of volunteers, but it's certainly not a hotel, but the tours were a great experience. Perhaps the us ship could have some of it restored as hotel, convention, and restaouant and placed with other ships in a place like battleship cove
I still hold out hope the SS United States can someday be the east coast's Queen Mary. It's just such a shame her interior was gutted; had any of her internal spaces survived intact as they had on the Queen Mary, I bet her preservation would be much more assured.
If it hadn't had it's interior gutted it probably would be fully restored already. I don't think it'll ever recover from that. It's just far too much cost.
Sometimes things are too far gone to save. How much of the original would be left? The interior is gone. The rest is rusting away. If you could attempt a restoration, you would have a copy of the ship. Let her rest in peace as a reef or melted down to use in a new ship. I would have loved traveling on her during the age of ocean liners.
Stripping away and selling off all the interior parts was and is the largest mistake for this ship and I firmly believe that this is why it continues to sit in its current condition and why nothing ever materializes because rebuilding the entire interior is so costly
Really with the "Abandoned" header routine. Check the definition of abandon which basically means "to give up without intending to retain control or responsibilty". And you even state the Conservancy still maintains ownership and operational control!
"...Conservancy still maintains ownership and operational control!..." A distinction without a difference. Their "ownership" is practically indistinguishable from an abandonment.
@MrShobar I would suggest that if you wander on board, grab an artfact without permission, attempt to escape and are apprehended that you do not try to use that argument as your defense in a court of law.
@MrShobar Not true as you should check up on maritime salvage law. A ship that has been legally abandoned is available for legal salvage of any available amount of property. If not abandoned it IS looting and your admitted reluctance to even theoretically test your apparent flippant supposition is telling. Your contention that the ship/property is actually abandoned "even if it really isn't" is like saying a woman isn't pregnant even if she is-no in-between as either you are or you aren't. A legal status is either correct or not and equivocation is merely trying to have your way no matter what is actual reality.
I've been on board and met Ms. Gibbs, she and her foundation are very inspiring for their dedication to an American landmark. A interesting fact is that Susan Gibbs didn't even learn about the ship until sometime in her 40s due to some sort of family falling out with Francis Gibbs.
Spotted the once proud ship in deep decay out my window as I was flying into Philly a couple months ago. Can't believe it has been there so long and not scrapped.
I hope to see it in person someday soon, my family and I came over from England to New York in 1968. I was only 2 , but my sisters 10,11 and 13 had a blast. My sister had a medal ship on her dresser for years until I lost it playing with it. Boys!
The ship is hardly “forgotten;” at $60,000 per month storage fees, it could hardly slip someone’s mind. The trouble with huge artifacts of history is that the cost for caring for them iis great, and, if too great, there may no way of providing for it.
If the SSUS still had its original interiors, salvaging the ship would be more realistic. But it's mainly a shell. Also, compared with a liner similar to the ill-fated SS Normandie, the design of the SSUS's rooms was not too memorable. It was more functional 1950's I-Love-Lucy than 1930's movie-palace extravaganza. But restoring the SSUS would probably end up with more interesting results than the QE2 (a ship of the 1970s) in Dubai or, less so, the SS Rotterdam (as with the SSUS, also a ship of the 1950s) in Rotterdam. The QM (1930s) in Long Bch, Ca has often had a shaky bottom line since the 1970s, so a restored SSUS likely would have a similarly iffy profit-&-loss ledger.
It ended up in that state because it was mothballed in the 90s, and as majestic and nostalgic as it is, it is still a 70 year old ship. It needs everything from cut glass to crappers.
The Linkcat 5 took the record transatlantic voyage speed record in 1998. It took them two days, twenty hours and nine minutes going an average speed of 41.284 knots. That’s wild considering it took settlers two to three months to cross.
I've visited the former Dutch liner SS Rotterdam in Rotterdam. They've shown how a previous ocean liner CAN work as a hotel and museum. It works. I hope the same holds true for the current restoration of the Queen Mary currently underway.
I can't remember the exact year, but I was about 11 or 12 years old the only time I ever saw the SS United States up close & personal as she was berthed in NYC. It was an accidental encounter as I was there with my Dad who had just taken me on a tour of the neighboring SS Independence whose typewriters (remember them?) he was contracted to repair when that beautiful ship was in NY Harbor. The United States was so huge, she seemed to stretch out so far across the Hudson River from NYC's shoreline toward New Jersey! She was so impressively clean, colorful, & sleek. I will never forget the sight of her, like a sparkling jewel, majestically shining on the bright sunlit water like a jewel be- speckled Queen👑
Interesting video, and amazing ship. But how is it that you fail to identify the equally amazing shipyard that actually built this one-of-a-kind masterpiece?
Shock! 3:00 liner "NormanDEEN"?🤨 NormanDY is a region in France; ship as the French spell it: 💥NormanDIE💥 Pls say it all, 53 *thousand GRT. Good basics, need fine detailing for top quality..
I was actually on this ship but I was so little I hardly remember it. Unfortunately, I didn't sail on it. My family was seeing off my aunt, uncle and cousins who were embarking for Europe. We saw their cabin and when we heard the "All ashore who's going ashore!" call we left. It wasn't until years later that I realized how miraculous this ship was. Sadly, she's almost a derelict at Philadelphia but many have hope she'll be refitted and restored to her original beauty.
Great content, although I really wish documentary compilers would abandon the zoom and scroll of still pictures and just show the pictures in their entirety.....
I'm a truck driver. I picked up a load of bananas at the dock of Philadelphia. The ship is docked in the harbor. It's a huge ship. It's rusting out and a lot of the windows were broken. Its a shame to let it deteriorate.
I personally hate that the ship is in its current state. There are many, many exorbitantly wealthy individuals who could save this ship by simply writing a personal check. But, there is a reason why that hasn't happened and probably wont happen. No return on investment. I think it's time that we let the ship go and cherish the memories of a wonderful time in America's history.
No not someone. You need community. Community will restore the ship and it does exist. So go out there and encourage people and teach them about it. Instead of listening to people that says waste of money .
Used to see her as a child docked on the west side of Manhattan. All these beautiful liners in a row. But the future is uncertain. The interesting interior has been removed and her fittings scattered to the wind, so she is a tough sell as a museum ship. And it would take half-a-billion to put her in service by today's standards. I agree with Gibbs grand-daughter. Better to be a reef than turned into a clown ship (have you seen the proposals?) for some rich developer.
Alas, it was a ship built from french/british design and want/desire, it served little purpose for most its life at sea and has been docked twice as long as it served, it might aswell be a corpse above ground at this point, as much as i love old ships, this one just has a big history of being mothballed and simply holds no value apart from it just being an old gutted ship that needs a purpose to continue existing. It would make an excellent reef and tourist attraction but then again, its been gutted so wouldn't be that amazing to explore within, perhaps somewhere shallow where it would look cool from above water.
They became billionaires by making smart business choices, your emotions aside, on what planet would saving this ship be a good business deal? The time to save this ship was at least 30 years ago and because of some bleeding hearts that understand nothing we have sit and watch her die slowly and rust away.
She should get the same amount of love that USS Texas (BB-35 and the USS New Jersey (BB-62) are receiving. Granted, a civilian liner, she still bears the ‘USS United States’, she needs to be brought back. Hell, if can do the same for the RMS Queen Mary, why not the USS Unired States…?
There's a few complications though, Queen Mary is still around because she still has a great deal of her original interiors and design. The SS United States does not. If there was already at least one big room, just one, on the ship that can be booked out for special events...then that is at least a starting point. But there exists NO original decor on the ship, and therefore there's nowhere to start. The ship doesn't even have any functional safety systems, so you can't open her up to mass tours, only small private tours that don't even cover the docking fees. Another advantage that Queen Mary has is that the dock she is moored to is part of the "Queen Mary property", the operators of Queen Mary don't have to pay docking fees, whereas anywhere that SS United States goes, massive fees will be incurred. It's just a no-win situation all around.
surprised this ship still has not been scrapped and turned into shaving razors yet. Might as well. No one is going to revive this ship in any capacity,,be it a cruise ship, liner or static floating hotel casino.
AN NBC journalist asked a question about what is the president going to do about the SS United States and the white house spokeswoman stated the president doesnt have any comments about it at this time. The conservancy best bet is to contact the governors of each state as she will probably and more likely get a response from them. I suggested to mrs. Susan Gibbs ❤
I hope funding is found for restoration, especially as this is a VERY large ship. It is the only major ocean liner totally made from aluminum. It was built by William Francis Gibbs and launched in 1952. The reason for all aluminum was fireproofing. In fact, the only wood on the ship when launched was the cutting board in the galley, and the grand piano. In fact, Gibbs would only let Theodore Steinway install a wooden grand piano was to demonstrate it was fireproof by setting a Steinway grand piano on fire or tried to. It didn't burn, and Gibbs allowed a wooden grand piano on board. The United States was featured in the movie Munsters Go Home, based on the 60s TV show.
That’s an incredible fact about the aluminium construction. I’m British but it saddens me to see this symbol of American Pride sitting there just rotting into the Ocean. As already mentioned, there’s enough philanthropists and billionaires in America that it would be a worthwhile cause if some of them got their heads together and made a consortium to restore this ship to its former glory, and gift it back to the country that afforded them the freedoms to accumulate their wealth. Yes, there are probably other causes that are also worthwhile, but national symbolism is as important as the Star Spangled Banner. She should be restored, put back to sea, displayed, paraded on National Days for all to enjoy including rich and poor alike. For goodness sake, you put men on the moon, restore your namesake Ocean Liner and put it to good cause. It’s a noble enterprise. It’s not about the money.
@@GeeBeeMikeOnly the Superstructure was made of aluminum; the rest of the ship was built from steel. She wouldn't have lasted long on the unpredictable and sometimes furious Atlantic Ocean if she had been built entirely of aluminum! LOL!!😂
I saw this ship as a kid in Southampton water just after she'd won the Blue Ribbon for the fastest passage across the Altantic. Shame it's been left like this.
Unfortunately the ravages of time has taken its toll on this once proud example of maritime splendor. I’m afraid that her end is inevitable; the only decision to be made now is how that will be. 😢
I feel like if these ship not going to used for actual transportation of some sort then maybe create some sort of multi use complex for it like shopping mall’s, living lounges and etc, anything but root in the bays, just my opinion I’m no engineer or anything.
They better restore it as a museum ship, we lost RMS Olympic, the last sister of the Titan 90 years ago, we can't allow another peace of history left behind to rust away or scrapped
I wish I was rich enough to buy the ship. I’d love to have her restored completely from the keel up, no expense spared. Idc if the money would never be recouped, I’d still do it if for no other reason than to preserve it as a piece of American history. Oceanliners are such incredible works of art. How much could it cost? 50 million, 150 million, maybe more?? There’s new yachts that cost that much, but I’d much rather have this and restore it so people can enjoy it.
The rent money spent keeping it at the docks in limbo over the years could have probably funded at least a partial restoration....its a shame it could not have been placed closer to the seaport museum or by the battleship in Camden rent free and given an exterior cosmetic paint job.....might have had more attention and fundraising to help finish it jnto a hotel....it was so far off the beaten path from tourists most people were shocked when you would point it out hiding between the buildings near the W. Whitman bridge. Im not sure if it could not go that far up the river or it was politics etc. Just whish it was not constantly in danger of being scapped.
A lot of you people in here dont know that her sister ship the SS America built 1938 for united states lines by William Francis Gibbs actually stayed in service on and off until 1992 until the ship was stranded and sunk of the coast of Fortuvantura You might even cruised aboard the ship not knowing it was originally the SS America. Which proves a ship can be put back together and sail again for many years . The SS Badger is a prime example❤
My parents decided to make the move to Germany with us kids on the SS United States‘ next to last journey in the fall of 1969. Can you imagine our Chevrolet Impala was in the ship‘s hold?!
It was a memorable trip to Bremerhaven, the ship was incredibly luxurious and truly something special. A strict three class system with minimal mingling and strictly enforced reserved areas for First Class, Cabin Class and Tourist class guests respectively.
It was so cool. Bunk beds folding out of the walls of our family cabin. Playing bingo. Skeet shooting. Eating exotic delicacies like Maryland duck or fresh pineapple served by an impossibly elegant African-American steward.
Unfortunately the weather got rough and we all got incredibly seasick for two or three days. Once we got to England and then France it was smooth sailing and it was pretty sad leaving the glorious United States….
Its rare to hear about ocean immigrants going the other way.
My aunts left denmark heading for the united states on m/s gripsholm...
What year Impala
I have a few towels and an ash tray..also a luncheon and a dinner napkin I had framed.
@@jerrycallender-qm7zr I‘ll have to report that theft to United States Lines Inc. They take even minor theft very seriously even after 50 years 😂😂😂😂
Yeah they make those ships like that anymore. 💗😥so sad to see the ship like this
Its amazing that out of all the millionaires and billionaires in the US that not one of them has stepped up to help save this piece of American History!
Yep. 150 million donation from Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos would do it.
Because the top 1% prefer tax payers to flip the cost of everything
It’s because they would never make profit from it. Unfortunately old ships are a hole in the water to throw money into. Millions and millions and millions, while nature and rust constantly try to destroy it.
They that rich because they're mostly wise with investments. This is a money pit. It'd literally be cheaper to build a replica
Only if or as it becomes part of a larger concept.
Thanks for shedding light on a piece of history that many people do not know about. I appreciated the mention that ships are only remembered when they sink and cause tragedy. Ships that were built for safety and efficiency rather than size and luxury should be known of to inspire future generations who may go on to be engineers.
I think the SS United States was an ocean liner, not a cruise ship.
it was, but there where plans to make it sail as a cruise ship but the plans failed.
She's not laid out for cruising. You'd need to strip down her upper works and reconfigure the interior. It'd cost way too much money.
That thought was long after the ship had been decommissioned.@@M0vingSaturn523
Really
@@BELCAN57 They reconfigured everything for the SS Badger. Still Badgering the great lakes for 78 years
The second I saw the thumbnail pic for the video, I told my girlfriend "I'm pretty sure this is the ship across from IKEA in Philly"... and within the first 60sec of the video I saw a view of the ship with IKEA flags in front of it lol. As a local South Jersey/Philly guy I always wondered the story to that particular vessel. Thanks Ryan. You always have the best segments on this channel. Keep up the great work!!
Yes, same vessel.
I hope the SS _United States_ can be saved. It's a great tragedy that none of the amazing British liners were saved, particularly RMS _Olympic_ and _Mauretania_ - would be even more tragic to lose another of the ocean's great ladies.
Titanic little sister ship is in a dry dock in Belfast Ireland.
@@MsMaurice23 _Nomadic_ was saved, sure, but it's not quite the same. She's a glorified ferry, not exactly in the same league as _Olympic_ which was apparently in amazing shape when broken up and could have served for decades more, or easily been preserved. Sadly Cunard didn't believe in preserving ships, so both _Olympic_ and _Mauretania_ went to the scrappers. FDR even sent a letter appealing for _Mauretania_ to be preserved.
we have britanic still....well its under 400 feet of water but its their
Excuse me?? The QUEEN MARY is a British Ocean liner, and was saved from the breakers by THE USA! We just in last year and a half spent millions on structural repairs and restorations on the ship, and she is looking very very good indeed!! She is back open to the public, and the hotel part of the ship is opening soon.
@@johnfranklin5277 True, I forgot the QM because my interest mostly lies in the earlier ships. Point stands though.
I came all the way to Philli to see this beautiful ship. I stood at the gate and cried, it is so amazing and such a history to be left to sit. You would think with all the money in the world, this ship would be preserved or at least be used as a floating museum. I agree with Ms. Gibbs, I would sink it to before seeing my family's legacy stripped apart. People pass by it every day; we should all support this cause because it is the last. I hope on my next visit I can run into to someone that would allow me a closer look. I'm sure there are more people that would love to tour.
I actually live in Philly I live in Philadelphia and it’s literally right by Port Richmond where I live
Years ago, I took family on my boat around the S.S. United States, including right under her bow.
A beautiful ship with graceful lines, it would indeed be a great loss for her to go to the breakers or be sunk.
She is a great loss now as she rusts away, neglected!
Shortly after the United States was berthed in Philadelphia,I was picking up a load of paper from a nearby warehouse and noticed her tied up there. I had time to wander down for a closer look,and the lone guard on duty didn’t care if I walked out onto the pier. I had seen the “Big U” when the ship was laid up at the Norfolk Navel Base,and again after she was moved to the coal docks in Newport News,but never got up close. However,that day in Philly I was actually able to lean out and touch her. I almost fell into the water,but if I had it would have been worth it.
You refer to the Big U as a cruise ship which we was not. Overall, a good presentation. I visited the ship during her layup at Norfolk as a lad of 17. Her Chief Engineer, John Logue, gave me a tour of the aft engine room and we walked the starboard propeller shaft. Then it was on to the major public rooms including the Duck Suite often occupied by the Duke of Windsor and his wife. At the time all of the furnishings were in place in the public rooms and cabins. Thank you for your interest in this fine ocean liner.
Thanks, Ryan. Sad but very interesting story.
Thank you so much for the support! This means the world to us!
I recall the ship sitting in Norfolk in the 1970s when I was in the navy. There were occsional articles in the paper and on television that the ship might be reactivated but nothing ever came of it. Rumours, only. The ship was based in Norfolk and when it was retired, 20,000 people lost their jobs. It was maintained, had all its furnishings and it was kept painted when it sat there. I doubt anything will ever come of it. A shame.
Sailed on the SS United States, in 1960 Germany to New York when Father's Air Force duty was finished. He bought a 1956 VW 23 window Bus in Germany, 1957 for $500, that Vehicle was on board with us.
I was 9 years old, 1961 Paramus Nj. Went on a school field trip to NYC and toured the SS United States. I still vividly remember the dining room, staterooms, stairs, and walking around the decks. It was a sunny day and a beautiful ship. I've traveled into Philadelphia and am looking from the bridge at the sad condition of that once great ocean liner.
My late Mom’s favorite ship. She saved up her money and took one first class trip on it (she was going between her family in Germany and her home in Chicago regularly during the 1950s). Captain’s table one dinner (didn’t hurt that she was pretty).
It's quite sad that so many of these floating palaces weren't preserved.
Preserved for what?
Historical and cultural purposes. @@walterrudich2175
@@walterrudich2175 Preserved as Museum ships, historical relics, etc.
Some people do appreciate history.
The inside has been completely stripped. It is past the point where it can be preserved or restored. Not to mention that there is no demand for it. The Queen Mary, which was never stripped. is not profitable.
Why didn't you pay for it, then?
When I was a child, my parents' best friends were Johnny and Mabel Logue, Johnny being the chief engineer of the United States. My sister and I were friends with their daughter Jean as well. We spent many a time visiting their house in Cresskill, NJ or they would visit our house in Closter, NJ. I remember them all very fondly.
Great point about saving a historic ship that did not suffer major tragedy. It would be great to have the S.S. United States in a proper state of preservation. Think about it, the USA currently has the S.S. United States, the last transatlantic-ocean-liners-era ship to win the North-Atlantic-Crossing-Speed-Blue-Ribbon, on the U.S.A.'s East Coast, while the ship that the S.S. United States had taken said ribbon from, the R.M.S. Queen Mary, remains anchored and preserved on the USA's West Coast.
People been pushing that same pipe dream ever since she's been here... it's time to put this thing out of its misery and taking up space here.
IMHO the SS United States would have found a buyer willing to convert or refurbish her at some point, if its prior owners hadn't so shortsightedly stripped her interior back to bare metal
Had to remove the asbestos that's why.
@@JJMHigner - um, no. The Hadley group purchased the ship in 1980 and in 1984 they took out all of the furniture and fixtures and auctioned them off to raise money for its upkeep and to help repurpose it for a time share based hotel. Sadly, it didn't bring in half the money they expected, and by 1992 they had defaulted and the ship was seized by US Marshals and auctioned off once again 😒😒
That ship has sailed over the years many times. She has no functional value. It's an empty Hulk that's taken up dock space.
Then why is the Queen Mary in Long Beach being kept as a multi use attraction if old historic ship have seen their day? This deal sounds like mis management by folks who have ideas but no business sense and are not well connected to those with money.
@@edcook9747 well, yeah, old historic ships have seen their day. The SS United States would most likely have been converted to something similar to the Queen Mary, but with all of its interiors gone, the price to do so was many times higher
SS United States is not just an ocean liner. it was designed to be the fastest troop transport to bring American troops to Europe to fight the USSR.
...and STILL holds the record for the shortest transit from Europe to America.
And could go anywhere in the world with troops, faster then any other, and return without refueling
And there are Porches, Ferraris , And other supercars that get crushed. ..whats the point? She was once fast. Hasn't moved on her own power since 1969.
The silly cars you mentioned are a dime a dozen. The SS Untied States was a symbol of National pride. @@johnfranklin5277
@@johnfranklin5277What do cars have to do with the SS United States?
In the 1950’s My Dad came to the US on the SS United States. He has a nice model of it on his mantelpiece. It’s a shame it was not preserved.
I came to America on this ship in the summer of 1969 when my Father's Army tour in Germany ended
There used to be a mural in the mess hall at the Merchant Marine Academy in Kingsport, NY that showed the S.S. United States.
Took my first ship ride back early 60,s .Such a awesome trip from NYC to Southampton UK. We saw the Music Man it it's theater. Indoor stainless steel swimming pool .
It was a city unto itself.
Great memory ..
Somehow folks think restoring a ship is like saving a rusted out old car from the junk yard. This ship should have gone to the breakers years ago. It's junk. I saw it about 10 years ago and it was shot. It's not like fine wine. What I would like to see done with it, is to be towed to sea and sunk as a reef. Be a great place for divers to explore.
Making the ship an underwater reef might be the best option. The costs to restore her likely far exceed what she is worth.
Moonkelly: "more than she's worth"
You know....there are things more important than money
Let this Ships care and condition reflect exactly how The United States of America is at the moment in time.
Actually, the opposite is true. It's apparent that no one (including the U.S. Navy, a profligate spender) is willing to throw money into this decaying pipe dream because it's simply uneconomical and has no real purpose except as a pile of scrap. That's the smart move.
Want to guess how much richer the USA is today as opposed to 1952?
I agree. Unfortunately American Exceptionalism seems to be woefully out of fashion right now.
@@guyelluzzi2705 Because "American Exceptionalism" was always a fraud.
@@guyelluzzi2705 That's due to how the current population of American is acting. Not motivation but literally its been conditioned to pretty much give up at the first mistake and not finding a alternate solution or similar.
Your own comment reflects this. Yet some of it does exist still. It just needs the proper guidance.
USS Texas and RMS Queen Mary are proof of this. Both were in danger and now both are undergoing repairs despite the negativity of thousands that simply gave up and wanted them scrapped.
@@Quetzalcoatl_Feathered_Serpent I've spent a night at the queen Mary hotel, and have visited it several times as a tourist. I have also spent 2 nights on the Texas with a cub scout group. In order to save ships like this, there needs to be a way to make the ships make financial sense.
The queen Mary hotel is great to experience the old ship architecture. It takes a bit to get used to the brass plumbing fixtures.
THE Texas has a lot of volunteers, but it's certainly not a hotel, but the tours were a great experience.
Perhaps the us ship could have some of it restored as hotel, convention, and restaouant and placed with other ships in a place like battleship cove
I still hold out hope the SS United States can someday be the east coast's Queen Mary. It's just such a shame her interior was gutted; had any of her internal spaces survived intact as they had on the Queen Mary, I bet her preservation would be much more assured.
If it hadn't had it's interior gutted it probably would be fully restored already. I don't think it'll ever recover from that. It's just far too much cost.
Had to remove the asbestos which was everywhere.
Sometimes things are too far gone to save. How much of the original would be left? The interior is gone. The rest is rusting away. If you could attempt a restoration, you would have a copy of the ship. Let her rest in peace as a reef or melted down to use in a new ship. I would have loved traveling on her during the age of ocean liners.
She would be perfect in Washington D.C. on the Potomac River.
@@champaignken Its amazing how American's are willing to give up on something and still say they would have loved living in that age or past.
Haven’t been to south Philly in years. Can’t believe that boat is still rusting away there!
Stripping away and selling off all the interior parts was and is the largest mistake for this ship and I firmly believe that this is why it continues to sit in its current condition and why nothing ever materializes because rebuilding the entire interior is so costly
They are doing it with the Queen Mary in California!
Well done as usual. Speaking of rotting going to pot, how about a frank study on the downfall of Philadelphia.
Must be speaking of Kensington, a frank study on the effect of democrat leaders on once great American cities.
@@jetsons101 The only prosperous cities are democrat. They get all the trash from red states as homeless and drug addicts.
Such a shame. I live in the Philadelphia area and see that ship often. Just sitting there rotting away. It may be too far in disrepair now
It cost more than rebuilding a replica
Beautiful ship, been waiting for her to be saved, brought back into life
What are you waiting for? Support the Conservancy and donate!!
Really with the "Abandoned" header routine. Check the definition of abandon which basically means "to give up without intending to retain control or responsibilty". And you even state the Conservancy still maintains ownership and operational control!
"...Conservancy still maintains ownership and operational control!..." A distinction without a difference. Their "ownership" is practically indistinguishable from an abandonment.
@MrShobar I would suggest that if you wander on board, grab an artfact without permission, attempt to escape and are apprehended that you do not try to use that argument as your defense in a court of law.
@@kennethhanks6712 I'm not a looter. And your point is moot.
@MrShobar Not true as you should check up on maritime salvage law. A ship that has been legally abandoned is available for legal salvage of any available amount of property. If not abandoned it IS looting and your admitted reluctance to even theoretically test your apparent flippant supposition is telling.
Your contention that the ship/property is actually abandoned "even if it really isn't" is like saying a woman isn't pregnant even if she is-no in-between as either you are or you aren't. A legal status is either correct or not and equivocation is merely trying to have your way no matter what is actual reality.
I've been on board and met Ms. Gibbs, she and her foundation are very inspiring for their dedication to an American landmark. A interesting fact is that Susan Gibbs didn't even learn about the ship until sometime in her 40s due to some sort of family falling out with Francis Gibbs.
Spotted the once proud ship in deep decay out my window as I was flying into Philly a couple months ago. Can't believe it has been there so long and not scrapped.
My parents came across the Atlantic on this wonderful ship to start their lives in the US - hopefully will be preserved- thank you for this video
I saw it about 10 years ago heading to dinner. I was stunned to see it just parked in Philly.
the correct term is docked you park cars sorry but my Navy Dad would not forgive me if i didnt point that out
I hope to see it in person someday soon, my family and I came over from England to New York in 1968. I was only 2 , but my sisters 10,11 and 13 had a blast. My sister had a medal ship on her dresser for years until I lost it playing with it. Boys!
I drive by the SS United States, maybe twice a month. Depends on if I go to Delaware Avenue.
The ship is hardly “forgotten;” at $60,000 per month storage fees, it could hardly slip someone’s mind. The trouble with huge artifacts of history is that the cost for caring for them iis great, and, if too great, there may no way of providing for it.
my father and mother retured from germany in 1950s on uss US and my older brother was consieved on board.......
If the SSUS still had its original interiors, salvaging the ship would be more realistic. But it's mainly a shell. Also, compared with a liner similar to the ill-fated SS Normandie, the design of the SSUS's rooms was not too memorable. It was more functional 1950's I-Love-Lucy than 1930's movie-palace extravaganza. But restoring the SSUS would probably end up with more interesting results than the QE2 (a ship of the 1970s) in Dubai or, less so, the SS Rotterdam (as with the SSUS, also a ship of the 1950s) in Rotterdam. The QM (1930s) in Long Bch, Ca has often had a shaky bottom line since the 1970s, so a restored SSUS likely would have a similarly iffy profit-&-loss ledger.
It still wouldn't be realistic.
I remember seeing her going down the Hudson headed for Europe with fireboats with water salutes, a heart stopping image for sure.
The ship represents the state of the country pretty well.
I agree, but I think there is hope for the ship, the country, not so much.
I made a point of seeing this ship on an east coast trip two years ago. It looks in really sad shape, but you can’t get too close.
It ended up in that state because it was mothballed in the 90s, and as majestic and nostalgic as it is, it is still a 70 year old ship. It needs everything from cut glass to crappers.
The Linkcat 5 took the record transatlantic voyage speed record in 1998. It took them two days, twenty hours and nine minutes going an average speed of 41.284 knots. That’s wild considering it took settlers two to three months to cross.
I've visited the former Dutch liner SS Rotterdam in Rotterdam. They've shown how a previous ocean liner CAN work as a hotel and museum. It works. I hope the same holds true for the current restoration of the Queen Mary currently underway.
As the Queen Mary in Long Beach.
The ROTTERDAM, was never GUTTED.
I can't remember the exact year, but I was about 11 or 12 years old the only time I ever saw the SS United States up close & personal as she was berthed in NYC. It was an accidental encounter as I was there with my Dad who had just taken me on a tour of the neighboring SS Independence whose typewriters (remember them?) he was contracted to repair when that beautiful ship was in NY Harbor. The United States was so huge, she seemed to stretch out so far across the Hudson River from NYC's shoreline toward New Jersey! She was so impressively clean, colorful, & sleek. I will never forget the sight of her, like a sparkling jewel, majestically shining on the bright sunlit water like a jewel be- speckled Queen👑
Interesting video, and amazing ship. But how is it that you fail to identify the equally amazing shipyard that actually built this one-of-a-kind masterpiece?
NNS&D ;)
Same reason why he called the ship a cruise ship ._. Like I can't be the only one who obviously knows it's a ocean liner...
So what.@@mikemancini313
Shock! 3:00 liner "NormanDEEN"?🤨 NormanDY is a region in France; ship as the French spell it: 💥NormanDIE💥 Pls say it all, 53 *thousand GRT. Good basics, need fine detailing for top quality..
I was actually on this ship but I was so little I hardly remember it. Unfortunately, I didn't sail on it. My family was seeing off my aunt, uncle and cousins who were embarking for Europe. We saw their cabin and when we heard the "All ashore who's going ashore!" call we left. It wasn't until years later that I realized how miraculous this ship was. Sadly, she's almost a derelict at Philadelphia but many have hope she'll be refitted and restored to her original beauty.
She is not "almost a derelict", she IS a derelict!
Great content, although I really wish documentary compilers would abandon the zoom and scroll of still pictures and just show the pictures in their entirety.....
This is mabye the most inportant ship in history ever to be built. USA a so rich country must raise money to save this icon.
Sad, when my ship was in Norfolk,Va, to see her rusting next to the pier!
I'm a truck driver. I picked up a load of bananas at the dock of Philadelphia. The ship is docked in the harbor. It's a huge ship. It's rusting out and a lot of the windows were broken. Its a shame to let it deteriorate.
I personally hate that the ship is in its current state. There are many, many exorbitantly wealthy individuals who could save this ship by simply writing a personal check. But, there is a reason why that hasn't happened and probably wont happen. No return on investment. I think it's time that we let the ship go and cherish the memories of a wonderful time in America's history.
The truth is it would take someone with enough money and pride in our great nation. Seems like that’s something that doesn’t exist. 😢
Waste of money.
No not someone.
You need community. Community will restore the ship and it does exist.
So go out there and encourage people and teach them about it. Instead of listening to people that says waste of money .
Thank you!
I had a model of this ship in 1971 as a kid. Wish I still had it.
Saving the ship has no real use and is only worth it's weight in scrap.the cost of renovations will make refurbishing the ship not profitable.
I used to run the SS United States Foundation. Don’t get me started on this ship.
Big hole, eh?
Really?
"americas last great ocean liner*
*QM2 Left the chat*
Got to see the Enterprise when she was docked here in Norfolk when decommissioned
I was on this ship in 1961 on the way to Bremerhaven, Germany. I remember being extremely sea sick. I was only 11.
Brilliant channel I’ve subscribed to you, fabulous history.
Used to see her as a child docked on the west side of Manhattan. All these beautiful liners in a row. But the future is uncertain. The interesting interior has been removed and her fittings scattered to the wind, so she is a tough sell as a museum ship. And it would take half-a-billion to put her in service by today's standards. I agree with Gibbs grand-daughter. Better to be a reef than turned into a clown ship (have you seen the proposals?) for some rich developer.
Unfortunately all it’s doing is wasting money monthly in dock fees alone.
It’s sad, but it’s time to let her go to the scrap yard
@5:39 Only 53 registered tons, WOW! must be a type that you wrote 53K tons :D
Alas, it was a ship built from french/british design and want/desire, it served little purpose for most its life at sea and has been docked twice as long as it served, it might aswell be a corpse above ground at this point, as much as i love old ships, this one just has a big history of being mothballed and simply holds no value apart from it just being an old gutted ship that needs a purpose to continue existing.
It would make an excellent reef and tourist attraction but then again, its been gutted so wouldn't be that amazing to explore within, perhaps somewhere shallow where it would look cool from above water.
They became billionaires by making smart business choices, your emotions aside, on what planet would saving this ship be a good business deal?
The time to save this ship was at least 30 years ago and because of some bleeding hearts that understand nothing we have sit and watch her die slowly and rust away.
Thank you for this help, We Need to Save Our Ship
She should get the same amount of love that USS Texas (BB-35 and the USS New Jersey (BB-62) are receiving. Granted, a civilian liner, she still bears the ‘USS United States’, she needs to be brought back. Hell, if can do the same for the RMS Queen Mary, why not the USS Unired States…?
There's a few complications though, Queen Mary is still around because she still has a great deal of her original interiors and design. The SS United States does not. If there was already at least one big room, just one, on the ship that can be booked out for special events...then that is at least a starting point. But there exists NO original decor on the ship, and therefore there's nowhere to start. The ship doesn't even have any functional safety systems, so you can't open her up to mass tours, only small private tours that don't even cover the docking fees. Another advantage that Queen Mary has is that the dock she is moored to is part of the "Queen Mary property", the operators of Queen Mary don't have to pay docking fees, whereas anywhere that SS United States goes, massive fees will be incurred. It's just a no-win situation all around.
surprised this ship still has not been scrapped and turned into shaving razors yet. Might as well.
No one is going to revive this ship in any capacity,,be it a cruise ship, liner or static floating hotel casino.
AN NBC journalist asked a question about what is the president going to do about the SS United States and the white house spokeswoman stated the president doesnt have any comments about it at this time.
The conservancy best bet is to contact the governors of each state as she will probably and more likely get a response from them. I suggested to mrs. Susan Gibbs ❤
I hope funding is found for restoration, especially as this is a VERY large ship. It is the only major ocean liner totally made from aluminum. It was built by William Francis Gibbs and launched in 1952. The reason for all aluminum was fireproofing. In fact, the only wood on the ship when launched was the cutting board in the galley, and the grand piano. In fact, Gibbs would only let Theodore Steinway install a wooden grand piano was to demonstrate it was fireproof by setting a Steinway grand piano on fire or tried to. It didn't burn, and Gibbs allowed a wooden grand piano on board. The United States was featured in the movie Munsters Go Home, based on the 60s TV show.
That’s an incredible fact about the aluminium construction. I’m British but it saddens me to see this symbol of American Pride sitting there just rotting into the Ocean. As already mentioned, there’s enough philanthropists and billionaires in America that it would be a worthwhile cause if some of them got their heads together and made a consortium to restore this ship to its former glory, and gift it back to the country that afforded them the freedoms to accumulate their wealth. Yes, there are probably other causes that are also worthwhile, but national symbolism is as important as the Star Spangled Banner.
She should be restored, put back to sea, displayed, paraded on National Days for all to enjoy including rich and poor alike.
For goodness sake, you put men on the moon, restore your namesake Ocean Liner and put it to good cause. It’s a noble enterprise. It’s not about the money.
@@GeeBeeMikeOnly the Superstructure was made of aluminum; the rest of the ship was built from steel. She wouldn't have lasted long on the unpredictable and sometimes furious Atlantic Ocean if she had been built entirely of aluminum! LOL!!😂
Only the superstructure is aluminum. The hull is steel. See the rust?
I saw this ship as a kid in Southampton water just after she'd won the Blue Ribbon for the fastest passage across the Altantic. Shame it's been left like this.
I was told, that in order a cruise line to operate in the USA, they had to have 1 ship registered here. This is owned by one of those lines
Unfortunately the ravages of time has taken its toll on this once proud example of maritime splendor. I’m afraid that her end is inevitable; the only decision to be made now is how that will be. 😢
2:57 : "Normadine" ??
It's an upscale version of watching a rare hot-rod sitting abandoned in a barn, somewhere. SSUS needs to be restored, bust some speed records. 🙂
My great great great grandfather john Francis meyers had a liberty ship named after him
I feel like if these ship not going to used for actual transportation of some sort then maybe create some sort of multi use complex for it like shopping mall’s, living lounges and etc, anything but root in the bays, just my opinion I’m no engineer or anything.
No wonder the SS United States was fast. It weighed only 53 GRT !
It must look super spooky at night
They better restore it as a museum ship, we lost RMS Olympic, the last sister of the Titan 90 years ago, we can't allow another peace of history left behind to rust away or scrapped
Last I read, she's going back to New York City to be renovated as a docked hotel, like the Queen Mary. She will have a purpose once more.
Took it on my first trip to europe when I was 8 years old.
I wish I was rich enough to buy the ship. I’d love to have her restored completely from the keel up, no expense spared. Idc if the money would never be recouped, I’d still do it if for no other reason than to preserve it as a piece of American history. Oceanliners are such incredible works of art. How much could it cost? 50 million, 150 million, maybe more?? There’s new yachts that cost that much, but I’d much rather have this and restore it so people can enjoy it.
The rent money spent keeping it at the docks in limbo over the years could have probably funded at least a partial restoration....its a shame it could not have been placed closer to the seaport museum or by the battleship in Camden rent free and given an exterior cosmetic paint job.....might have had more attention and fundraising to help finish it jnto a hotel....it was so far off the beaten path from tourists most people were shocked when you would point it out hiding between the buildings near the W. Whitman bridge.
Im not sure if it could not go that far up the river or it was politics etc. Just whish it was not constantly in danger of being scapped.
Never saw it at Chicago's Navy Pier
It’s sad - but it’s probably best to be taken out and sank, used as a reef.
A lot of you people in here dont know that her sister ship the SS America built 1938 for united states lines by William Francis Gibbs actually stayed in service on and off until 1992 until the ship was stranded and sunk of the coast of Fortuvantura
You might even cruised aboard the ship not knowing it was originally the SS America. Which proves a ship can be put back together and sail again for many years .
The SS Badger is a prime example❤
I think I may have found the only reason I can think of to visit Philly.
110 Billion dollars to Ukraine. They could have rebuilt this ship a thousand times over. FJB.
If she can't be saved a reef is best option n a divers paradise . Nice bit of history thanks !
Does anyone know what is happening with the RXR Reality deal ? .
Long gone, like every pipe dream before....
@@johnfranklin5277 Looks like it’s a lost cause .
Someone please save this magnificent ship
In the 1950's fireproof meant asbestos.
Lots of it.