This spring, the SS United States, an ocean liner that is often referred to as “America’s Flagship,” is scheduled to be sunk and turned into the world’s largest artificial reef. To honor its legacy, Larry Bulanda, retired electrical engineer and historian, will host a discussion about the SS United States and the revolutionary engineering features that made it the fastest and safest ship on the ocean during its heyday.
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The SS United States is an ocean liner that is often referred to as “America's Flagship”. She broke the world speed record for a trans-Atlantic crossing in 1952 on her maiden voyage to England, a record which stands to this day winning her the Blue Riband, an award which went to the fastest liner. The ship was the pride of America because she bested speed records set by such European liners as the Queen Mary, the Queen Elizabeth and the Normandie. Those ships were world renowned in a time when sailing was the only way for travelers to cross the Atlantic.
Winning the Blue Riband was the culmination of many years of imagination, engineering, design and construction. What is most remarkable is that the ship was successful among a field of ships from Germany, England, France and Italy which had dominated the seas for decades. The visionary genius of William Francis Gibbs, a self-trained naval architect, was instrumental in the design and subsequent construction of the ship. Gibbs was also responsible for the design of 74% of the US ships used in WW2.
The ship’s design included revolutionary engineering features that were a part of Gibb’s plan to make this ship the fastest and safest ship on the ocean. His desire for safety came from many maritime disasters including the Titanic and Lusitania. Since the ship was intended to be converted to a troop ship in the event of war, speed was essential to deliver troops quickly and to outrun enemy submarines.
Aside from speed and safety, the United States was also known for her distinctive mid-century modern styling and her superb cuisine. Guests were pampered by a first-class staff which attracted many famous celebrities and dignitaries throughout her lifetime.
Despite her superb design and fame, her life was short-lived since commercial air travel took over the trans-Atlantic market. She was taken out of service in 1969 and sat for years waiting for potential buyers. The ship was stripped of furnishings and other items and was finally towed to Philadelphia where it was moored for 30 years, owned by the SS United States Conservancy. During that time several investors showed interest in acquiring the ship but nothing materialized. Following a legal battle the ship was sold to Okaloosa County, Florida where it will be sunk as the world’s largest artificial reef in March 2026.
free for SCHS members, $5 for nonmembers