P.O. Box 32115 • Washington, DC 20007 • (888) 488-7787 • www.SSUSC.org
The Big U returns to New York following her record-breaking maiden voyage in July, 1952. Courtesy of R onald Jensh.
Greetings friends and supporters!

July 3, 2018, marks the 66th anniversary of the SS United States ' departure from New York on what was to be her record-breaking maiden voyage . On the day of her departure, the ship was fully booked with 1,700 passengers eager to be a part of the historic event, including Vincent Astor, Margaret Truman, and Sara Roosevelt. As the Big U glided past Lower Manhattan, passengers standing on the decks could see a large banner hanging from a skyscraper at 21 West Street. It read: "Good Luck. SS United States . Gibbs & Cox."
The SS United States , secure at her Philadelphia berth. Courtesy of Mike and Peg Marinaro.
During the trip, Commodore Harry Manning steadily increased speed, even as the ship steamed head on into a howling North Atlantic gale. Independence Day was celebrated at sea with a lavish gala dinner and ball, while ship designer William Francis Gibbs stood a near-constant vigil on the bridge, carefully monitoring the ship's fuel consumption and speed. Down in the engine room, Chief Engineer William Kaiser kept an eye on his four Westinghouse steam turbines, the most powerful engines ever installed on a passenger ship, capable of over 240,000 shaft horsepower .
The SS United States is accompanied by a flotilla of tugs on her
maiden voyage. Courtesy of the Mark Perry Collection.
When the ship tore past Bishop Rock at 6:16am on the morning of July 7, 1952, she had captured the Blue Riband of the Atlantic from Cunard's RMS Queen Mary , achieving an average speed of 35.59 knots, with a sailing time of 3 days, 10 hours, 40 minutes.

Following the defeat of the defending Queen Mary , the British journal Punch wrote with awe: "After the loud and fantastic claims made in advance for the liner United States ...it comes as something of a disappointment to find them all true."
On the anniversary of the SS United States ' triumphant maiden voyage, and as we celebrate our great nation's Independence Day, we remember an era in which America's Flagship powerfully symbolized the nation's confidence, ambition and technological know-how. Against all odds, she remains afloat today, ready to take her place once more as a proud icon of our collective strength, our can-do spirit and the values that unite us.

You can play a vital role in ensuring a brilliant second act for this global ambassador and All-American record-breaker. CLICK HERE to make your donation today , and join the fight to save the fastest and greatest ocean liner the world has ever known. Thank you so much for your ongoing support!  

Susan L. Gibbs
Executive Director, SS United States Conservancy
Wishing you a safe and happy Fourth of July from the SS United States Conservancy!
Top row: photographs courtesy of Robert G. Lenzer, Conservancy Archives Collection, Kathleen Perry.
Center row: photographs courtesy of Bob Sturm, Caroline Chisham, Paul and Harriet Rosen.
Bottom row: photographs courtesy of Tracey Phalen, Lori DiMaggio, Tracey Phalen.
Help us save America's Flagship!