September 28, 2019
Last weekend saw an amazing and lasting tribute to America’s Flagship, as the US Merchant Marine Academy “Great Class of 1979” unveiled a massive oil painting depicting the SS United States entering New York Harbor.

The painting by Martin Smick measures fifteen feet in height and will hang in Ackerman Auditorium opposite a painting of her sister ship, the SS America .
RADM Jack Buono with members of the US Merchant Marine Academy.
Photo courtesy of Tom Basile.
The painting by Martin Smick measures fifteen feet in height and will hang in Ackerman Auditorium opposite a painting of her sister ship, the SS America .

The painting was funded by the Class of ’79 and accepted by RADM Jack Buono, USMS, Superintendent of the Academy. The Conservancy expresses its sincere appreciation to the Class of ’79, including the Vice President of our Board of Directors, Frank DeGiulio, for choosing to recognize the ship’s historical significance in such a profound way.

DeGiulio said:

"There are long standing ties between the US Merchant Marine Academy and the SS United States . Many graduates served aboard the Big U, and the ship’s unique design, engineering, and almost unbelievable speed capabilities still stand as a model of American ingenuity and accomplishment to both alumni and current midshipmen alike.

After more than 67 years afloat, the SS United States remains as beautiful and inspiring as ever, and now that this fabulous portrait has been unveiled, we're hoping the Big U's revitalization will soon follow."

CLICK HERE to see more photos and footage from the unveiling—including remarks from RADM Jack Buono, Superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and RADM Mark Buzby, USN Retired, U.S. Maritime Administrator.
#FlagshipFacts  — ‪ In her 17 years as an oceangoing vessel, the SS United States traveled well over 2 million nautical miles over 400 voyages — all without experiencing a major mechanical failure.‬
In case you missed our last update, the Conservancy has announced that we are again partnering with the Pollin Group and offering a week-long Maritime History and Stewardship Cruise. 

This voyage aboard Royal Caribbean 's "Brilliance of the Seas" will depart from Boston on October 11, 2020 and travel along the coast of New England and Canada, offering opportunities to explore the historic coastal cities and towns of Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine, and Saint John, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

To participate in this special cruise, you will need to book your cabin through the Pollin Group . The Pollin Group's group rates include a range of amenities, such as rich program content with dynamic guest presenters and various social events, including complementary cocktail parties, all provided at no extra charge to the group. Note that these fares also include pre-paid gratuities. All deposits and payments are fully refundable up to August 1, 2020. The Pollin Group will also make a generous donation to the Conservancy for each cabin booked.

If you have any additional questions about cruise pricing and bookings, please contact Mary Davis, the Pollin Group's Senior Director of Client and Management Services, phone (443) 878-4393 or email mdavis@pollingroup.com .

Pricing Note:

Royal Caribbean past passenger discounts do not apply to these group rates because of all the amenities offered. However, the cruise will count towards Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society's program so that attendees can earn points.

Also, all onboard perks and amenities offered to Crown and Anchor Society members while on the cruise will be honored by Royal Caribbean.
Help Us Save America's Flagship!
Photo courtesy of Maria Mijares.
Artist Maria Mijares has a lifelong connection to America's Flagship that dates back to age 2, when she traveled aboard the Big U from New York City to Le Havre, France. In the decades since, she has toured the vessel on several occasions and been a staunch advocate for keeping her afloat.

Mijares has channeled her deep, personal connection to the ship into her artwork, immortalizing the SS United States in paintings that have been exhibited and enjoyed by captive audiences in the US as well as Spain.

Now through October 15, are on display at The Gallery Space in Rahway, NJ. You can learn more about this special exhibition by CLICKING HERE .

"I welcome every opportunity to exhibit my paintings of the ship, spread the word, and share what I know," she says.

"Wonderful friendships have come from the common mission to preserve this American icon as we together await the day when we may finally toast her stunning restoration."
 
An Inventive Craft Project by Supporter Stanton Daywalt
Photo courtesy of Stanton Daywalt.
Stanton Daywalt is a longtime supporter and friend of the Conservancy. Both this year and last, he secured a $1,000 contribution to the Conservancy courtesy of Navy Federal Credit Union's Dollars for Doers program. He's also generously donating his time and resources to securing artifacts and photographs for our permanent curatorial collection.

Stanton recently sent us some photos of this wonderful craft project, which uniquely showcases Big U artifacts in his personal collection.
Photo courtesy of Stanton Daywalt.
“The luggage tags are copies. I was not about to poke holes in the originals,” Stanton says. But the keys and key tags are original from the SS United States .”

We're consistently amazed by the creativity that America's Flagship continues to inspire. Do you have any craft or home projects related to the SS United States ? If so, please let us know .
"[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 (1930-2018)