Since 1997, the Big U has been quietly moored along the Delaware River in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (birthplace of both our nation and designer William Francis Gibbs). She is easily visible from the street and there is an excellent view of the ship from the IKEA across the way at 2206 South Columbus Blvd.

Click images to enlarge.

The Big U is longer, wider and faster than the famous RMS Titanic. The United States is 990' long, more than a hundred feet longer than Titanic's 882' 9". A sleek ocean greyhound, the Big U is only 9' wider, though. Big U has twelve passenger decks versus only nine for Titanic. Her top speed was nearly double Titanic's 23 knot maximum and, of course, her nearly flawless safety record speaks for itself. The Big U was reportedly late only once in seventeen years, while Titanic was only on time as many times.

For a look at the scale of the Big U, click the picture at left. Compare the size of her anchor with the car and trunk parked alongside the pier.

The United States isn't just "any old ship". She is a true "one of a kind" and a symbol of American ingenuity and national pride. She is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. She is the fastest, safest liner ever built - by any nation and the last remaining great American ocean liners. This ship simply cannot be experienced through photographs, films or stories. Only from vantage points upon her decks or perhaps pierside along her can one appreciate her art and function. For a more complete answer visit the "About 'The Big U'" section.

The ship has been laid up since 1969, but through the years efforts have been made to prevent significant deterioration. As mentioned above, her hull is sound and most of her machinery is in place, not that she'll ever actually use it again. She could certainly use a fresh coat of paint, but most of her superstructure is aluminum so rust is not as big a problem as one might think. Outside she's in pretty good shape.

Her furnishings and fittings were sold at auctions over the years to raise money. Due to the use of materials containing asbestos (in the 1950's it was THE latest, greatest thing in fireproofing!) the interiors had to be removed down to the support structures leaving a "clean slate".

Above (click image to enlarge) is a photo of the First Class Lounge when the ship was new. Some of the glass panels from this room have been preserved and are back at sea aboard Celebrity Cruise Line's Infinity. Much of the furniture is in private collections and often turns up Ebay. Some have ended up in various maritime museums.

At right (click to enlarge) is a photo of the same room today. Notice the circular dance floor can is still evident in the center of the room.

The Trust is not a membership organization so there's really nothing to "join" in the sense of a fan club or the support organizations operated by some historical preservation efforts. The Trust was specifically formed to focus on the activity of fundraising through direct philanthropy, corporate-based cause marketing programs and general public fundraising campaigns.

At the time the Trust was founded there were already two membership-based groups promoting the ship. The SS United States Foundation, that ceased operation in early 2010, and the SS United States Conservancy that continues to operate an e-mail list but does not maintain a formal membership with dues.

For more information about the SS United States Trust, please visit the "About the Trust" section of this website.

While the primary mission of the Trust is the creation of an endowment to ensure the long-term well-being of the SS United States, fundraising for that endowment has yet to commence. Initial efforts since being founded in July, 2009, have been focused on the need for funds to purchase the ship in order to prevent a sale to breakers.

To see more of his incredible artwork visit www.DVOMarineDesign.com.