Sinking Date Of The S.S. United States Looms
While in the region on a cruise assignment in February, I went to Mobile, Alabama to document the S.S. United States, which is in the process of having all materials that would be a toxic threat to marine life abated.
I arrived in Mobile on the final day of Mardi Gras (it all started there in 1703) and watched during my two day stay as the town went from chaos to virtually abandoned.
Just outside the yard where the work is being done, visitors from Florida, Ohio, North Carolina and California had come to pay their respects, some taking selfies in front of the ship and others leaving flags, flowers and even a note at a makeshift memorial. It was touching and heartwarming to see such devotion to one of America’s largely forgotten but greatest post war marvels.
The radio mast and twin funnels have been removed and are being stowed away at a nearby facility to be incorporated into a planned museum dedicated to the ship.
On our second day in Mobile, we paid a quick morning visit to the ship’s massive funnels and mast, which had been removed and are being stored at a separate facility until the museum is realized. Their removal will now allow her to be sunk in an upright position without there being any hazards to navigation. We then took a harbor cruise on the Perdido Queen, which makes several passes by the ship, providing excellent views of her starboard side.
For me, letting go of my dreams to have one of one of the last great ocean liners saved for future generations is an unfortunate reality but at least I’ve had the pleasure and honor of walking her decks and experiencing her faded, but still awe-inspiring beauty in person. Not sure if I will have the heart or stomach to don fins and scuba gear to see her again, but I’ve learned to never say never.
To watch Peter’s latest video “A Return to the SS United States,” please visit Peter Knego’s MidShipCinema on Youtube.
