![]() However, the extensive use of aluminum meant significant weight savings, as well. The construction of the ship's superstructure involved the most extensive use of aluminum in any construction project up to that time, which posed a galvanic corrosion challenge to the builders in joining the aluminum superstructure to the steel decks below. The ship's hull comprised 183,000 pieces. A large part of the construction was prefabricated. United States was built to exacting Navy specifications, which required that the ship be heavily compartmentalized, and have separate engine rooms to optimize wartime survivability. The vessel was constructed from 1950 to 1952 at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Newport News, Virginia. The ship has a capacity of 15,000 troops, and could also be converted to a hospital ship. ![]() In exchange, the ship was designed to be easily converted in times of war to a troopship. The US government underwrote almost 70% of the US$79.4 million construction cost, with the ship's prospective operators, United States Lines, contributing the remaining $28 million. Designed by American naval architect and marine engineer William Francis Gibbs (1886–1967), the liner's construction was a joint effort by the United States Navy and United States Lines. Inspired by the service of the British liners Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, which transported hundreds of thousands of US troops to Europe during World War II, the US government sponsored the construction of a large and fast merchant vessel that would be capable of transporting large numbers of soldiers. The ship's name and an American flag have been painted in position here as both were missing when this photo was taken during 1952 sea trials. Design and construction SS United States colorized promotional B&W photograph. Large donations have kept the ship berthed at her Philadelphia dock while the group continues to further investigate restoration plans. In 2015, as its funds dwindled, the group began accepting bids to scrap the ship however, sufficient donations came in via extended fundraising. The group purchased her in 2011 and has drawn up several unrealized plans to restore the ship, one of which included turning the ship into a multi-purpose waterfront complex. Since 2009, a preservation group called the SS United States Conservancy has been raising funds to save the ship. Two years later, she was towed to Pier 82 on the Delaware River, in Philadelphia, where she remains today. Eventually, the ship's fittings were sold at auction, and hazardous wastes, including asbestos panels throughout the ship, were removed, leaving her almost completely stripped by 1994. The ship has been sold several times since the 1970s, with each new owner trying unsuccessfully to make the liner profitable. United States maintained an uninterrupted schedule of transatlantic passenger service until 1969 and was never used as a troopship. She was designed by American naval architect William Francis Gibbs and could be converted into a troopship if required by the Navy in time of war. The ship is the largest ocean liner constructed entirely in the United States and the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic in either direction, retaining the Blue Riband for the highest average speed since her maiden voyage in 1952 she still holds the title today. SS United States is a retired ocean liner built between 19 for the United States Lines at a cost of US$79.4 million (equivalent to $895 million in 2022). 4 × Westinghouse double-reduction geared steam turbines. ![]() Multiple owners from 1978 to present day Ĭontinual fundraising towards conservation efforts since 2011. Laid up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company ![]()
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