FAQ

  • What is the New York Coalition to Save the SS United States?

    The coalition is a New York based 501(c)(3) non-profit established to secure the future of the SS United States through public awareness, advocacy and fundraising.

  • What is the mission of the New York Coalition to Save the SS United States?

    The coalition’s mission is to secure and save the SS United States. If achieved, the ship will be part of a vibrant and dynamic Public Waterfront Dynamic-Use Center in Brooklyn. The center would offer a diverse focus on History, Art, Education, Community, Entertainment, Environmental Well-Being, Health, and Commercial Applications.
    Ocean liners throughout the world - such as the Queen Maryin California, Rotterdamin the Netherlands, and Queen Elizabeth 2in the UAE have all been successfully repurposed and preserved as world-class mixed-use venues.

  • What happens if the Coalition does not succeed in saving the SS United States?

    In the unfortunate circumstance in which the coalition fails in preventing the reefing of this historic SS United States, a planned monument will be dedicated to continuing to honor the ship’s legacy.

  • The ship has already been moved out of Philadelphia, isn't it too late?

    Absolutely not.
    As long as the SS United States is afloat, the coalition remains committed to exploring, and exhausting, all possible possibilities to prevent the vessel from being lost to history.

  • Where will the SS United States be moored if saved?

    The SS United States would be moored in South Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY at the Gowanus Bay Terminal (GBX™~).

    Although similarly named, the Gowanus Bay should not be confused with the Gowanus Canal. For more information on GBX™~, take a look at the section below.

  • Wouldn't the SS United States make a great reef?

    As alluring as it may sound, due to the design and construction of the ship, as well as the planned location of the reef, the SS United States could make for a bad reef. For a full breakdown of why, take a look at An Analogue-Based Environmental Review of the Planned SS United States Reef by Mattew J. Lewsiw by tapping here.

  • How to support the mission of the Coalition

    Be part of the solution and get involved! Share your Time, Talents and treasures to benefit the future of the SS United States.

    Contact the Coalition by tapping here to:
    - Share your talent. Do you have skills that can aid in the effort?
    - Make a financial commitment to support the coalition’s efforts.
    Donations will be allocated to create and respond to all legal and business tasks to include raising public awareness, preservation and the redevelop plan benefiting the SS United States.
    - Volunteer your time. Preservation of the ship creates opportunity.
    - Help the cause by sharing updates and directing opportunities to the coalition.
    - Follow us on all social media platforms
    - Participate in in person and online events
    - Write to your elected officials (including your elected representatives, Okaloosa County Commissioners, NYC Council Members, and the White House) about the importance of saving America’s flagship!

  • The funnels were removed - is it over?

    The short answer: No
    For more information, see our full feelings by tapping here.

More about GBX™~

  • Yes! GBX™~ is actually larger than needed for the SS United States. In fact, the world-famous SS Normandie berthed at GBX™~ - and she was longer and wider than the beautiful SS United States, which we lovingly call The Big U!

    Check out our to-scale site layout below - See the “[SSUS]” there? Fits with space to spare!

    Masterplan Overview

  • Yes! GBX™~ is within a breakwater environment, which is within the Gowanus Bay - Only effected by tides, no river currents or wave action. Additionally, we propose the installation of a mono-pile system that is not reliant on traditional mooring ropes to ensure the ship is as safe as possible.

  • Yes! Although sometimes confused with the infamous Gowanus Canal due to similar names, the Gowanus Bay where GBX™~ is located is NOT part of the Canal Superfund which is currently undergoing remediation as more premier high-rise residential towers continue to line its banks.

  • Yes. As with all berths, maintenance and dredging are regularly required to maintain the depth needed to accept ships - GBX™~ is no different (however, GBX™~ is affected by tidal currents, not river currents, therefore making dredging maintenance significantly less frequent). We’ll always work with New York officials and regulatory agencies to ensure all dredging activities meet applicable standards. Furthermore, we are proposing reuse of dredged materials for environmental and economic working-waterfront betterment purposes.

  • Yes! Our project aims not only to preserve a historic landmark, but also drive educational, cultural, and economic growth, as well as encourage community engagement and revitalize the surrounding areas, including the vital working waterfront.

    Additionally, the project will highlight the native history of the property - more information on this coming soon.

  • We cannot speak directly to why the Conservancy did not choose to bring the vessel to GBX™~.
    We do, however, know that the SSUS Conservancy chose to pursue other short term options, such as ventures with Crystal Cruises and RXR that paid their bills. Unfortunately, these options did not provide the long term security needed for the vessel and ultimately would have been more than the cost involved with securing the ship at GBX™~.

    Unlike previous approaches taken to redevelop the ship, our Coalition believes in a much more realistic phased approach to realizing our project.