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I took the two photos below of the ss United States in the mid 1980’s when she was berthed at Norfolk Virginia.
To me it was sad to see what as once a symbol of national pride deserted and neglected. Even a coat of paint would
have given her back some of her pride.
Visit ss United States and read about her current state and location.
Read the appeal from Susan Gibbs whose grandfather William Francis Gibbs designed this beautiful liner.
She was the largest liner ever built in the USA and surely deserves recognition for her services in the past, and the pride she once brought to the nation. The fear at the moment is that she may eventually suffer the ignominy of the breakers yard.
Click onto Joe Rota's Page where some excellent photographs will bring back memories to we older seamen. Take a trip down memory lane and recapture past pleasures of working on such liners that once sailed majestically in and out of Southampton Docks.
Gordon Tumber
Hi Gordon
My name is Francis Odgear and I have been e-mailing Susan Gibbs about the s.s United States.
Having been a Bell Boy on the RMS Queen Mary during the sixties (1965/66) I was appalled at the way she(ss United States)has been treated after having enjoyed such a glorious past.
As you probably know, she took the Blue Ribbon from the ‘Queen Mary’ and kept it for the USA ever since.
When we used to come up the Hudson River on our way into New York she would sometimes be berthed at her pier (86) and she was every bit as awe inspiring as the two Queens. It baffles me as to why someone has not yet seen the potential of this great American icon of the 1950’s.
I was running between New York and Southampton for nearly twelve months and she became a regular friend of ours.
I was talking to Joe Rota and he must be very disheartened to see the Old Lady in such a state. Particularly when you look at what the city of Long Beach, California did in having the foresight to see what they could do with the Queen Mary.
It has not been easy but they have managed to keep her viable at least to this day and I take my hat off to them.
I left the ‘Mary’ in October 1966 and a good few years later (1971-72) I happened to call in at Long Bach on a Tramp to pick up phosphate for Japan.
Well I was very proud of the way the Old Girl looked, and some people were amazed that I was once a Bell Hop (as they term them) on such a famous liner.
I am sure the American people would take the ss United States to their heart if only someone would give her a chance to make a go of it. She is still good enough to go cruising with the best of them sailing out of Miami.
She brought immense pride to her country and served them well.. Surely they should consider it their duty to restore her own pride and dignity in the twilight of her years.
Francis Odgear
Liverpool
A FUTURE FOR THE GRAND OLD LADY?
Hello SS UNITED STATES Friend,
Simply Incredible. The SS UNITED STATES being purchased by NCL.
More Incredible. Norwegian Cruise Lines plans to return the Big U to
service!
Can you imagine - at last - having a chance to see the Statue of Liberty
from the decks of the SS UNITED STATES? Wow.
What's next?
This Saturday, the SS UNITED STATES Foundation will hold a public
meeting in Philadelphia. Saturday 4/26/03. Details are on-line.
It's a great chance to become more involved and you're sure to meet some
crew members and many happy SS UNITED STATES friends and supporters.
Visit http://www.ss-united-states.com
I'll have more news next week - as we all learn more about the new and
exciting future of the SS UNITED STATES.
Thanks for your support and interest in saving the UNITED STATES. Keep
dreaming.
Regards,
Mike
Mike Alexander, SS-UNITED-STATES.COM
email: mike@ss-united-states.com
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