Cold War, the ship traveled 2,770,884 naucical miles, never once delayed because of a casualty or mechanical failure. This ship, whose image conjures up scenes from a bygone era, has survived, despite decades of neglect and repeated transfer of ownership, because of the high-quality materials and craftsmanship that went into her original construction . Recent rests have revealed char che ship's hull strength is-remarkably-92% of ics original condition. She is not too far gone to be saved and resume her status as an inspirational national symbol for current and future generations. The United States can serve us honorably as a vibrant example of the success of the country's new economic stimulus plans. Planned and executed correctly, the restoration can help generate man y jobs and much needed tax revenue. The ship is che perfect candidate for a public-private restoration project, either as a stationary floating attraction and museum in a major American port city, or fully restored as a seagoing ambassador ship.
Our National Maritime Heritage Act recognizes that "historic resources significant to the Nation's maritime heritage are being lost," and declares that "the preservation of this irreplaceable maritime heritage is in che public interest so that its vital legacy of cultural, educational, aesthetic, inspirational, and economic benefits will be maintained and enriched for future generations of Americans." Without a doubt, few other vessels in our country are of greater importance co our maritime heritage, or have such a viral legacy of cultural, educational, aesthetic, inspirational, and economic benefits than SS United States. As advocates of our maritime heritage, we, the members and trustees of the National Maritime Historical Society and che public at large, must take immediate measures co insure rhac the present owners of SS United States and our representatives in Congress act consistently with our nation's policy co preserve this irreplaceable national treasure. We urge NMHS members to visit the SS United States Conservancy's web site at www.ssunitedscates conservancy.org and co write or e-mail their congressional representatives co introduce legislation to protect, preserve, and restore SS United States as our nation's flagship.
SS United States was built for speed, as is obvious from the view from beneath her sharp, twelve-story-high bow. Most ofthe ship's interior has been gutted. The original telephone switchboards (below) are among the few original artifacts that remain onboard.
National Maritime Historical Society Trustee Charles B. Anderson is a maritime lawyer in New York and a member of the Board of the SS United States Conservancy. His father, Commodore john W Anderson, was master ofSS United States.from 1952 to 1964.
SEA HISTORY l 27, SUMMER 2009
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