SS United States’ Propeller May be Scrapped

By Eric Haun June 13, 2014

Once one of the world's greatest ships, the SS United States has fallen into a state of disrepair (Photo courtesy of the SS United States Conservancy)

Once a top secret, the 60,000 pound propeller from the nation’s flagship may be scrapped to raise money for the preservation of the historic vessel.

On board America’s Flagship the SS United States on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 from 11-11:30 a.m., the SS United States Conservancy will announce the result of its nationwide search for a donor to save one of the historic ship’s massive five-blade propellers. The press conference and presentation will be held in front of the 60,000lb propeller on the stern of the vessel, an area of the ship rarely seen by visitors and media.

America’s Flagship was launched in 1952 and is considered by some to be the greatest ocean liner ever built. Four U.S. presidents and countless foreign heads of state, business, military and diplomatic leaders, Hollywood celebrities and everyday Americans traveled aboard her during 400 mishap-free voyages. Thousands of immigrants came to America aboard the vessel, which served in the Navy Reserve Fleet as a convertible troop ship and Cold War weapon able to carry an entire army division 10,000 miles without refueling.

The SS United States Conservancy, a national nonprofit organization, leads the global effort to save and repurpose America’s Flagship, the SS United States. The conservancy raises public awareness and financial resources for the maintenance, restoration and ultimate reuse of this iconic vessel and works to ensure that the fastest ocean liner ever to cross the Atlantic remains an inspiration for generations to come.

ssusc.org