February 19, 2018
"A Race to the Finish," by world-renowned marine artist Robert G. Lloyd.
The SS United States Conservancy is thrilled to share a stunning new painting by world-renowned marine artist, Robert G. Lloyd. Supporters may remember Lloyd's previous depiction of the SS  United States , " Luxury Liner Row, New York circa 1957 ."

Titled " A Race to the Finish ," this impressive new artwork depicts America's Flagship and Cunard's RMS Queen Mary racing side-by-side towards New York Harbor. During five days of stormy seas crossing the Atlantic, the two great ships kept abreast of each other no less than a mile apart.
In an exciting, exclusive offer, the artist is selling limited-edition prints of the painting in two sizes, with 25 percent of the sales proceeds donated to the Conservancy in support of our ongoing work to save the SS  United States . Perfect for any lover of ocean liners,  CLICK HERE  for more details on how to order your print today, while supplies last.
Breathtaking detail in "A Race to the Finish."
Help Us Save America's Flagship!
John F. Kennedy and wife Jacqueline Kennedy aboard America's Flagship. Photograph courtesy of Corbis Images.
Today on Presidents' Day, we're looking back at some of the Big U's most distinguished passengers. The SS United States hosted four U.S. presidents during her service career, more than any other vessel to date! Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton all traveled aboard America’s Flagship.

In a letter of support, former President Bill Clinton wrote:

"The SS United States is...a symbol of our country's industry and accomplishment...the destruction of the United States would be tantamount to destroying other national monuments like the Liberty Bell or the Statue of Liberty...we must maintain what is good and constant in our past if we are to imagine a better future."
Harry Truman aboard the SS United States . Photograph from the Archives Collection.
Dwight Eisenhower and wife Mamie Eisenhower. Photograph courtesy of John Gustave Kunze.
The QE2 at her current berth in Port Rashid, Dubai. Photograph fro m What's On .
Signage suggests an upcoming QE2 hotel opening .  Photograph from  SS/MS Queen Elizabeth 2  Facebook Page.
In exciting global news, it appears that following extensive refurbishment, the Cunard Line's Queen Elizabeth 2 will become a new luxury hotel and museum in Dubai.

The QE2  was Cunard's proud flagship for nearly 40 years, operating from 1969 to 2008 as a transatlantic liner and cruise ship. Following her retirement, new owners made plans for her conversion into a floating hotel, but the proposal stalled due to the 2008 financial crisis. Now, ten years later, the vessel appears to have undergone a quiet makeover in advance of a grand reopening. 

While no official announcement has been made, onlookers have spotted updated signage at Port Rashid's Dubai Cruise Terminal 1, and a new website has appeared, inviting job-hunters to submit applications and advertising "a royal experience" to future guests.

The successful redevelopment of this great transatlantic liner, and of the   RMS  Queen Mary   in Long Beach, CA and the SS Rotterdam in the Netherlands, proves that it is high time for America's own Queen of the Seas, the SS United States , to be revitalized and restored.
 
The Conservancy is committed to the  reuse and redevelopment   of the Big U, but cannot achieve this goal alone — America's Flagship needs your support now more than ever!
"Wrought in steel and aluminum, the SS United States is the product of many hands and many hopes. The magnificent ship is more than a superlative achievement of American engineering. She stands for dreaming big...and for the human ability to accomplish." — Margaret Stack, Philadelphia, PA
We love it when supporters reach out with their finds, and this photograph shared by Gerald J. Reiser is a new favorite in the Conservancy's curatorial collection!

Reiser took the photograph on December 5, 1952 while serving aboard the USS Tutuila ARG 4. When word was passed below decks that a great ship was crossing their bow, Gerald grabbed his camera and rushed topside, down the gangplank and across the dock. From there, he snapped this incredible image, which he recently rediscovered.
Photograph by Gerald J. Reiser. Taken looking towards the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, VA.
Be a part of history — y ou too can preserve your SS United States memories and photographs as part of the Conservancy's permanent curatorial collection. Find out more about our Legacy Project HERE or email archives@ssusc.org .
"[The SS United States ] was built at a time when 'made in America’ really meant something, and that is a legacy that cannot be lost.  — H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest, Blue Riband Council