FAQ

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

    We are an incorporated nonprofit organization established to raise funds and awareness to save the historic SS United States.

    Although we are currently in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status, according to the New York State Charities Bureau, an incorporated nonprofit organization in the state of New York is legally allowed to raise funds while awaiting 501(c)(3) determination.

  • What is your mission?

    Our mission is to save the SS United States and as part of a vibrant and dynamic Public Waterfront Mixed-Use Center featuring spaces focused on History, Art, Education, Community, Entertainment, Environmental Well-Being, Health, and Commercial Applications.
    Ships all around the world - including the Queen Mary in California, Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and Queen Elizabeth 2 in the UAE have all been successfully repurposed as world-class mixed-use venues.

  • What happens if you don't succeed?

    In the unfortunate circumstance where we do not succeed in preventing the reefing of this historic icon, we will dedicate our continued efforts in preserving the ship’s legacy through a planned monument in NYC.

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

    Absolutely not.
    So long as the SS United States is afloat, we are committed to exploring, and exhausting, any possible avenue 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.

  • How can I help?

    There are many ways to get involved!
    - Share your skills with us! Do you have a unique skill which may aid us in our efforts? Reach out to us here!
    - Consider making a financial commitment to support our efforts here.
    All donations will be used to aid in our effort to preserve & redevelop and or continue the legacy of the SS United States.
    - Volunteer; as opportunities arise, we’ll post them on our social media.
    - The most important way to help of all… Spread the word! Share our social media posts, join us for events, and tell everyone (including your elected representatives, Okaloosa County Commissioners, NYC Council Members, and the White House) about the importance of saving America’s flagship!

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.