SS United States

The only time I saw the SS.United States was in July 1960 in the Mid Adlantic. I was 20 years old and Supernumerary 2nd Cook/Baker on the Shell Tanker 'Achatina' from Barry to Curacao. I thought she was a good looking ship. I was being sent out to join another Shell Tanker the 'Haustrum' whose 2nd Cook/Baker had died in Capetown and she had sailed on to Curacao. The attached photo was taken of me with the United States in the background on the left hand picture with my Kodak Brownie 8. Cameras wern't as sophisticated as they are today, but not a bad photo considering its 52 years old, it has been enlarged from the original.

Attachment 12529

John

Old ships can look good like old cars.

The SS United States in Norfolk, Virginia 1975, photo taken from the GTV Euroliner at the container terminal

Attachment 34298

Met an American a few weeks back who had been Cabin Class Purser on her.
Never knew there was a purser for each class of bloods on board.
Maybe some USA system.

the comparison between the queen mary and the united states as far as preservation goes can be summed up by the attached images - end of discussion !Attachment 34842Attachment 34843

Very sad.

and here we are jan 2025 and the big u is to be sold as an artificial reef - despite all the ( non ) efforts of the conservancy ( sic ) to preserve her - they sold the ship off late nov 2024 which begs the question - where they ever going to restore her in any shape or form ?

I did hear she goes on her way this week at some time.

I think the USA always wanted to be ruled by the Brits. LoL
Des

okaloosa - county - the new owners - have said it would take longer than originally thought - maybe early 2026 to send her on her way - and they are fine with that