Bring SS United States to Jacksonville?

[wsansewjs]

Hello everyone!

I have been a LONG time supporter of a conservancy group of our one and only beloved last American-built on the US Soil ship, "A Lady In Awaiting", the SS United States.

Please keep in mind that this is not an official move. This idea is a purely speculation and stimulation of ideas coming from me while at the same time, I would get feedback from my fellow peers before I even approach the SS United States Conservancy Group for this idea.

A highly successful attempt to buy SS United States from NCL (the former owner) thanks to a Philadelphia-based philanthropist, H.F. Gerry Lenfest, who made $5.8 millions donation to save the ship and allow up to 20 months for the conservancy group to find a new location, additional fundings, and all of the jazz.

The SS United States Conservancy Group have expressed interests in relocating the ship in Philadelphia, New York, and even Miami. I don't think Miami would be the best place in the South because of harsh weather and higher chances of hurricanes that could affect the cosmetic condition of the ship. Jacksonville has been so lucky and right in the socket that avoids hurricanes as much as possible. Jacksonville do have a deep root in naval history and its connections. The move could potentially bring so many business and tourism to Jacksonville because people would want to see the ship, SS United States. (SS United States Conservancy - http://ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/SSUS/blog/)

If you want to learn in depth about the Big U, I highly recommend read on her Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_United_States

I was wondering what all of you think if we could propose the idea of bring SS United States down to Jacksonville, since we have lot of EMPTY piers, docks, and spaces that are just bare. (I know real estate, all the bullshit that goes in politics, but try to ignore that right now).

SS United States in her glorious day:


The magnificent and beautiful Big U:


The Current State of the Big U in Philadelphia:

[strider]

I think this has the makings of a great idea. My father actually worked on furniture for this ship in Youngstown, Ohio.  It is interesting to read about it and see that it does make sense that a heavy duty office furniture company did a lot of furnishings when viewed through the fireproofing ideas they were using during it's design and construction.  The company in Youngstown was known as General Fireproofing and later as GF Business Equipment, Inc.

[wsansewjs]

I think this has the makings of a great idea. My father actually worked on furniture for this ship in Youngstown, Ohio.  It is interesting to read about it and see that it does make sense that a heavy duty office furniture company did a lot of furnishings when viewed through the fireproofing ideas they were using during it's design and construction.  The company in Youngstown was known as General Fireproofing and later as GF Business Equipment, Inc.

That's fantastic! Every stories I have heard related to SS United States has a huge impact on future and past generations.

[Coolyfett]

This is a Naval ship??

[billy]

Was this vessel, or a similar one, parked behind Blount Island for a while years ago?

[wsansewjs]

Was this vessel, or a similar one, parked behind Blount Island for a while years ago?

SS United States has never been to Jacksonville based on what I have been researched so far. There might be a similar ship, unless someone can shed some light on this.

This is a Naval ship??

Yes! That's what so amazing about her. She was partially subsidized by the United States government AND designed by renowned American naval architect and marine engineer William Francis Gibbs. Some of her specifications was considered as a top secret. She can be transformed into a troop ship that would carry up to 45,000 in times of a war.

[Wacca Pilatka]

Wonder if we can coordinate this somehow with the now city-approved efforts to bring the Charles Adams downtown.

[wsansewjs]

Wonder if we can coordinate this somehow with the now city-approved efforts to bring the Charles Adams downtown.

We could definitely do that! We could create a stronger case by bring two ships into one pier or area. This could be an interesting concept of business where one museum can manage SS United States and Charles Adams at same time. I think a Navy-supported institution could take on SS United States since the Big U is classified as a Navy ship.

Or it could be a competition, but nah, I don't think so. It stimulate its own micro-economy in that area. Correct me if I am wrong, business-minded folks.

-Josh

[wsansewjs]

I have notified the board members of SS United States Conservancy about this thread. They may be coming and checking out what I have talked about it. I am going to be doing research in possible locations and scenarios.

-Josh

[Wacca Pilatka]

Have you been in touch with the Charles Adams people?  Are you familiar with the museum/store they have at the Landing to raise funds to bring the Adams here?

[CS Foltz]

Double the bang for the bucks! Not sure about the Adams, but do know at one time the SS United States did have the Atlantic speed crossing title.........the big bugger could move for its day!

[wsansewjs]

Double the bang for the bucks! Not sure about the Adams, but do know at one time the SS United States did have the Atlantic speed crossing title.........the big bugger could move for its day!

The Big U caught the BOTH Eastward and Westward Atlantic Speed Crossing Titles, but she still holds the Westward record to THIS DAY.

Have you been in touch with the Charles Adams people?  Are you familiar with the museum/store they have at the Landing to raise funds to bring the Adams here?

I would love to get a contact information with the Charles Adam people. If you could give me a pointer, it would be greatly appreciated!

[CS Foltz]

There is a thread on the MJ Forum, somewhere, that had some contact information in it.........you might have to do a search, but it is in here!

[Coolyfett]

Wonder if we can coordinate this somehow with the now city-approved efforts to bring the Charles Adams downtown.

Seems to be enough space at the Shipyards. The USS Adams will be on Southbank so....

[ChriswUfGator]

Wow, we agree on something! I love the big u. Problem is she's too large to fit under any of our bridges, and unlike a destroyer it's not just a matter of temporarily removing a radar mast.