SS United States: America's Flagship

[@matthewrichards8497]

This is beautiful. There were details in this video I did not know about. I've been so invested in Queen Mary and Cunard all my life, but I realized that the SS United States is my nation's flagship and she is STILL AROUND and so close to being saved!!! This video helped me appreciate her interiors a lot more. The Queen Mary's interiors celebrated the heritage of Britain. The Big U's interiors celebrated the nation of the United States. Thank you for your thoughtfully produced content. We need more big ship videos.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

Thank you for your kind words! She is a much more interesting ship than I previously thought. More videos on specific ships (or "SHIPSTORIES" as I call them) are on the way! RMS Olympic is up next, to be uploaded Thursday April 2nd.

[@randomrazr]

imagin the people installing asbestos. prob all died

[@Quetzalcoatl_Feathered_Serpent]

@@randomrazr Not really. people took precautions likely installing it. The serious issues is when it degrades over time. and removing it.

[@randomrazr]

titanic and britannic are still around. their just....at the botom of the coean

[@charliewalker9473]

We only have shoe box boats today

[@leesantos9711]

I donated to the Conservancy, let's protect this American jewel !

[@TheGreatBigMove]

It sounds like there has recently been a development in the cause. I don't know much about it, so I won't speak to it. However, I recommend that you do a quick Google search. Props to you for contributing to a cause you believe in and thanks for watching!

[@leesantos9711]

@@TheGreatBigMove Thank you !

[@KapetanMusicTV]

Yee

[@pilotbug6100]

If we win the lottery, she can become a cruise ship. Let's hope for that, but not hold our breath.

[@justaname1862]

Its just to far gone...unlike the Queen Mary that is still intact...the SSUS has been Gutted...so there is No HISTORY left apart from an empty shell...i would visit the Queen Mary...but Not the SSUS if it was made into a hotel...as there is no point...its just a refitted shell....no nostalgia...unlike the Queen Mary wich still has her bridge/helm intact etc

[@Therevdon]

As a truck driver, I've made a few pickups at the port where she's docked in Philly. Even in her current rundown state, she's impressive. No video can do this ship the same justice as standing on the dock and staring straight up at her in person from 10 feet away.

[@Jay-vr9ir]

It should be brought to New York City and turned into a hotel , offices and perhaps a sports complex .

[@danieldmyers]

Joseph Forest New York treats nothing well, she’d be swiftly scrapped for cash by whatever insane Democrat is next elected there.

[@flatstheflounder2884]

@@Jay-vr9ir I disagree. I think she's worth the effort for a restoration. Ocean liners like these had a certain charm that those clunky hotel-on-water modern cruise ships just don't capture. They're still impressive, just in a different way. I think it'd be amazing to see SS United States sail again under her own power

[@Jay-vr9ir]

@@danieldmyers What about another deep water port , on the east coast?

[@42lookc]

@@danieldmyers Too true. Don't ever let such a majestic symbol of national pride as the _S.S. United States_ fall into the filthy, corrupt hands of democrat control. Some snivelly triggered idiot will call it 'racist' and then the democrats will see to it being cut up for scrap within months.

[@FletcherFinance]

There is a dedicated group of collectors and historians such as myself who seek out and buy artifacts from the SSUS to make sure they are not lost to the trash bin. In my collection, I have the Engineers Logbook for Voyage 84, a deck map, and a child's life vest that is still sealed in its original plastic and nitrogen packing. I have saved these items and hope to one day loan them back to the SSUS as museum pieces.

[@courtneyfidler2562]

howd you find all those for ur collection ?

[@courtneyfidler2562]

ive always wanted to start collecting from the ss us

[@TryAgainPlease]

I have the Engineering Logbook for Voyage 81! As well as shot glasses, a port glass, a miniature passenger accommodation plan, and a print add for United States Lines in general.

[@TryAgainPlease]

@@courtneyfidler2562 Hey Courtney, I know I'm not the person you originally asked the question to, but I also have multiple pieces from the SS United States- eBay is usually a pretty good place to find pieces easily, just be wary of the difference between items coming directly from the SS United States vs items from United States Lines. I've been lucky enough to get a few of my items from people who did not really even know the significance of them to those of us who care deeply about these beautiful old ships. Over the years I've seen items on Facebook marketplace, random auction websites, and even in thrift stores that originally came from or have some relation to the SS United States.

[@johnjoseph3667]

I have one of the aluminum, 12-psgr life rafts that were kept on the aftdeck. Is there actually a museum? Where is it?

[@oldman975]

I was picking up a load of paper at the docks in Philly shortly after the Big U was berthed there. While waiting,I walked down and asked the lone guard if I could walk out on the pier. He said”I don’t care” and waved me on. I was astounded at her shear size as I walked along! I was actually able to reach out and touch her hull. I almost feel in,but if I had,it would’ve been worth it. You have me as a new subscriber.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

She's an amazing ship. I stopped by on a road trip with some other people and I was the only one who was really interested. I think they just see another ship, but if they knew the whole story, I bet it would be different. Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@HANKSANDY69420]

Yoo you actually touched her hull? *Noice!*

[@datasailor8132]

I went over and back on the SS United States right after graduating from high school in 1963. I went with a group of my classmates on a six week grand tour starting at Calais and then Paris by train then counterclockwise around to Portsmouth for the return voyage. We hit Nice, Rome, Venice, Vienna, Wiesbaden, the Rhine, Olso, Copenhagen, and London. Met a girl on the way over whose tour was going around the other way. Our itineraries met in Venice where I took her on a gondola ride. She was also on the trip home. Alas nothing more came of it. Former President Eisenhower and his brother Milton were on board and we got a private meeting with them. They were returning from Normandy where they had been filming for the upcoming 20th anniversary of D-day.

[@dmannevada5981]

That's an impressive story, I mean it. Jealousy and envy is not my personality type, but I felt that sensation reading about your trip. Damn I wish I could have done something like that in my life... even if the girl didn't work out.

[@benson9586]

great quality for such a small channel, hope to see you grow

[@TheGreatBigMove]

PhreshBenson Thank you!

[@emperorredabilitysfollowin2753]

I feel the same

[@alecboi777]

*small channel*

[@jtralongo1]

For around $350-500 million they could restore her to a floating hotel, recreating many of the original parts. There are billionaires in this country who spend more than that on political campaigns. She bears the name of the nation. She still holds the record for fastest transatlantic crossing. She deserves better. In many ways, her sad state rotting away unloved and unappreciated is a metaphor for the direction of the the country.

[@fraudbuster5232]

Rotting away like the moral fiber of our country.

[@the_retag]

Hotel? Make her run

[@securitybase3430]

They would rather give illegal aliens that money

[@Extommy1]

I came to the New World on the S..S. United States. Actually it was too fast! I would have liked to have spent more time aboard. It was a marvelous experience on a truly great ship.

[@bjoe385]

Jet engine: “I’m about to end this man’s whole career”.

[@johnbockelie3899]

Ah yes, Asbestos. fire proof and deadly!!.

[@johnbockelie3899]

My.mahogany captains chair!!!. Nooooooo!!!!,

[@xaraxen]

2020 comes and travel industry is crippled

[@the_biggest_chungus7508]

Coronavirus: "Step aside, noob"

[@the4tierbridge]

@@johnbockelie3899 How is it deadly exactly!

[@ronaldbiver523]

As a bellboy on the Dutch luxury liner the NEW AMSTERDAM in the early 60's, the NEW AMSTERDAM used to meet the UNITED STATES mid Atlantic crossing b/w New York & Southampton or Le Havre (France}, those were the days, beautiful memories, your doco about the UNITED STATES, brought back memories when I was at sea with the beautiful ocean liners on the trans Atlantic runs, keep up the good work ******!!!!!!!!!

[@rpsmith2990]

Brilliant video! One story I have about the SS United States is that shortly after the hull shape was (supposedly) declassified, my dad, who worked at Newport News Shipbuilding, brought home something for me to read: a SAE paper titled "The Speed Of The S.S. United States". Can't say that I recall much of it, and there was much that was beyond the comprehension of a high school student, but it was an interesting experience to try to delve into it. The Mariner's Museum used to have a permanent exhibit showing the evolution that lead to this ship. Gibbs had been working on the idea of a American superliner from the time of the work on Leviathan. I'd like to see them put that up again once we're allowed to go back to museums.

[@caseywade4108]

Great vid about a legendary ship.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

Casey Wade Thank you! The ship is more impressive than I knew going into this project.

[@scottabc72]

Im always a little sad when I see the grand ship apparently rusting away when I drive Delaware Ave here in Philly. Good to know the condition is still fairly good and there is hope yet.

[@Fandango541]

Excellent video! First rate. You did a tremendous job describing every detail. I live near Philadelphia and have many pics of this national treasure located just across the street from the IKEA parking lot! I truly hope this latest scheme to move her to NY plays out. We have so few artifacts from the great age of Ocean Liners built in the USA. The SS United States deserves to be saved!

[@TheGreatBigMove]

Thank you for the kind words. I agree that the SS United States is worthy of saving. I also think she could be a financial asset rather than a burden which makes the case even stronger.

[@stuartsemail3625]

how tf do you only have 1.33k subs this is so high quality

[@TheGreatBigMove]

Thanks, mate. I'm working on it! I actually only had about 500 a few days ago.

[@stuartsemail3625]

@@TheGreatBigMove I legit thought i was watching one of the channels like wendover productions with millions of subs. Remember me when you're famous!

[@TheGreatBigMove]

@@stuartsemail3625 Share this video on social media to help the cause ;P

[@3rdtk976]

@@TheGreatBigMove omg in just 2 months you reached 9k subscriber XD

[@ramblingrob4693]

@@TheGreatBigMove it says you have 47000k?

[@42lookc]

What a great video! At 7:12, the deep, vivid color footage of her at _speed_ as only she could do it in a very choppy sea is breathtaking for a liner buff! She looked INCREDIBLE in that footage! Literally and figuratively unsurpassable. THANKS for your donation to the Conservancy! SAVE this incredible liner and symbol of American ingenuity and greatness! Please make a video on the SS America, or one on all the great liners of the United States Lines; the S.S. Leviathan, the Washington & Manhattan, the S.S. America, and the Big U.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

42lookc Thanks for watching! I will eventually make a video on the America. I have a video on the Imperator, Vaterland, and Majestic up already (which of course includes the SS Leviathan).

[@1965vw]

What a wonderful video about a truly spectacular ocean liner. I hope they can work something out to save this piece of history from a more optimistic era. This ship makes me so proud to be an American - it represents the best of America and it serves as a reminder that this country really can accomplish incredible things when we put our minds to it and work together!

[@TheGreatBigMove]

Thank you! There seems to have been a recent development in the effort to save the ship. I won't speak to it since I haven't had much time to look into it myself. However, I recommend doing a quick Google search on the subject!

[@HANKSANDY69420]

I 100% agree with this comment. With the politics of today pushing our young generation to literally hate our own country, its hard to express patriotism online. But I scroll through these comments on SS US vids and see how many openly praise the First Lady of the sea and how it shows how great this country is and its innovation. And the best part is that whiny rioters-er I mean, "protesters" literally cant burn her down like the cities they've caused havoc in lol. Gibbs dun gud.

[@wrightflyer7855]

Thank you for the excellent presentation. My parents and I sailed on the S.S. United States from Le Havre to New York in the summer of 1955 after my father's Army assignment at SHAPE Headquarters outside Paris. I was six years old then and loved every minute of the all-too-short voyage. It was a kid's dream come true....I explored every part of the ship in which passengers were permitted, hung on to the starboard railing and let the wind and spray pummel me during a storm our second day out. That day was also the Captain's Birthday Party and almost everyone was seasick. Except for me. I still have a photograph of that party taken by the ship's photographer, all the other kids looking miserable but me with a big smile and a piece of chocolate cake on my fork. Thanks again for the great memories! Maybe I should have joined the Navy. Wright Flyer, USAF (1968-1972).

[@dmannevada5981]

Nice story.

[@gretchenlittle6817]

My family also sailed on the United States when I was six. I wish I had clearer memories, but I do remember winning ten dollars during a bingo game, which in 1964 seemed like a huge amount of money. I also remember the smell of the dining room, playing ping-pong with my brother, and passing another ship also headed eastward. I've been to Europe several times as an adult, and while I appreciate getting there so quickly, flying cannot match the ocean liner experience.

[@wrightflyer7855]

@@gretchenlittle6817 Ah, another satisfied Big U passenger. There really aren't that many of us compared to the total U.S. population. Do you remember if ping pong was on deck or inside? I remember playing outside, and there was a net to prevent the dreaded "Ball overboard!" announcement, but that may have been when we crossed the Pacific on a military transport bound for Taiwan. Thanks Gretchen for sharing your experience. And ten dollars was a lot of money to a kid back then, the equivalent of around $87 today.

[@gretchenlittle6817]

@@wrightflyer7855 So true about the money -- I had no idea what I could spend it on! As I recall, the ping pong table was inside, but there was a window nearby. I'll have to ask my brother next time I see him -- he actually kept a diary of our trip.

[@wrightflyer7855]

@@gretchenlittle6817 Your brother is a smart guy. I'm sure many passengers (including myself) regret not keeping a log of their experiences, especially those that can't be repeated.

[@24934637]

OMG, the way that she's cutting through the sea at 8:30 is incredible. The power she's got is very obvious!

[@BillHalliwell]

G'day GBM, Outstanding video about a unique ocean liner. She might have come late to the seagoing scene but she was the fastest and one of the best looking vessels of her type. Had the USN not mothballed her for so long, I believe she would have had a totally new second career converted to a niche market cruiser.What a shame that all her technology was wasted. She wasn't needed during the Vietnam conflict as a troop ship, all troops being flown there, so the USN should have let her go. The SS United States deserves to be fully restored for many reasons; first of which was her incredible speed; that alone should have seen her either used or preserved many years ago. I'm not an American but I love beautiful old ships. I'm going to donate to conservancy and I hope that everyone that loves good design and amazing technology will give money too. Thanks again for a great video. Cheers, BH

[@TheGreatBigMove]

Bill, thanks for watching and for donating to a good cause. She certainly is a unique ship and I thinks she embodies American hopes and ideals. It would have been great to see her put to use as a troopship at some point (both because it would be interesting and because that's why the taxpayers contributed to the cost of her design and construction. As for her future...I don't think she will be fully restored. However, there has been a recent development in the effort to save her. It is possible that she will be spruced up and converted to usable space (hotel, museum, office space, etc.) and permanently docked somewhere, possibly New York.

[@lawrencelewis8105]

Excellent, informative video. I was stationed in Norfolk, Va in the 1970s and would see the ship every day. It would be moved from pier to pier occasionally and was kept maintained with all of its furnishings. There were occasional articles in the paper about rumours of the ship being reactivated as Norfolk was the ships real home port and over 20,000 local people lost their jobs when the ship was retired, both crew and on-shore support staff. It would be nice to see her sail again but I doubt it will happen. One reason is, who would know how to run such a steam plant like she has? Not a lot of steam powered ships around anymore so the knowledge is pretty much gone.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

That's a great point, Lawrence. It's easy to forget that there was a lot of knowledge and skill that went into operating steamships.

[@AltereanReviews]

Another excellent video, and it’s about my favorite two funneled liner.

[@FreedomLovingLoyalistOfficial]

thank you i really appreciate you talking about SS United States

[@rhettstrains4681]

Incredible!!! I have never heard of this ship until now.. But it is beautiful!!!! And as an American I would love for them to convert her back into either a cruise ship or a transatlantic ship and for me to sail on her!!!!!

[@TheGreatBigMove]

I'm glad you learned something new! Thanks for watching and stay tuned for more videos!

[@eve__________]

my favorite part about trips to ikea in philly is being able to see this beauty. she is absolutely the most stunning thing on the philly side (USS New Jersey being on the Camden side). It will be sad to see the day where she moves from the port, but hopefully to be used once again and not to be scrapped or sunk. Amazing video and keep up the good work!

[@falcon664]

Thanks for another interesting video. Your subjects have all been interesting. As for your narration, you speak clearly and naturally and keep a good, brisk pace. There's no annoying, distracting "background" music. Easy to follow. Just keep doing what you enjoy. Thanks.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

Thank you for your kind words! You might be disappointed to find out that a couple of my videos do use some background music at key points (e.g. when the Wilhelm Gustloff is spotted by the Soviet submarine that would ultimately sink her).

[@jugostran]

We lost the SS France/Norway. We cannot lose another ship with such great heritage. Anyway, this video is really well made, thank you for taking the time to make it.

[@Sarasdad91]

Susan Gibbs, William Francis Gibbs granddaughter, is in charge of the SS United States conservancy, where the ship is laid up in Philadelphia PA, Fate unknown. The SS United States took the Blue ribbon from the Queen Mary, and ironically, they're the only two ocean liners that exist from that period anymore.

[@Penryn87]

From my understanding environmental regulation is one of the bigger issues preventing a restoration to ocean going service: I bet those turbines really guzzle the fuel. But assuming it was possible, a 4 day passage with a three day cruise could be sustainable model. Leave from NYC to Southampton followed by a weekend cruise and then turn around for another 4 day crossing with a cruise on the eastern seaboard on the weekend. They could also mix it up with 10 day cruises from time to time. As a US flagged vessel, they could go between US Ports and capture an all together untapped and undeveloped market for cruising up and down the US east coast.

[@johnbockelie3899]

I knew the. Navy secrets of her hull would make her unsellable . No blue prints available.

[@justaname1862]

She will never be sea going ever again....realistically she doesnt even have any history/nostalgia Value either as its been gutted thanks to all the Esbestos...unlike the Queen Mary wich is still all intact

[@andrewclark8630]

This ship is an important part of US history and deserves to be restored to its full splendour.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

She is a great symbol of the United States. I sympathize with those who see it as a national embarrassment that the ship bearing the country's name is being left to rust away willfully.

[@justaname1862]

@@TheGreatBigMove it doesnt have any Nostalgia/History left as its been gutted...its just a rusting shell sadly

[@stephendavidbailey2743]

Queen Mary a great success as a hotel, tourist attraction and film set. SS United States could be too. Or luxury retirement housing.

[@Johntheripper87]

The Queen Mary is falling into disrepair.

[@tunnjessica]

@@Johntheripper87 because of bad management yes, but the ship itself still has enormous potential if she would have the correct management (right now ofc she is in need of rigorous repairs, but as far as I've understood people have come forward to save her!)

[@urijahjackson4502]

YOU ARE SOOOOOOOO RIGHT! I JUST HOPE THEY SAVE HER. SHE'S THE MOST SPECTACULAR OCEAN LINER OF ALL! WE SHOULD SAVE HER! WHO'S WITH ME!?! COME ON COMENT!

[@hevendor958]

one surprising thing is that the S.S United States is the only surviving American Ocean liner if you wonder why well S.S Independence was also another surviving American Ocean liner up untill 2010 where she ran aground and was scrapped at the spot to 2010 to 2011

[@michaelfiguly1654]

Save this magnificent vessel. We have the Queen Mary in California, why not the United States in New York.

[@Doveproductions73]

@@michaelfiguly1654 I WOULD RATHER HAVE SS UNITED STATES THAN QUEEN MARY

[@michaelfiguly1654]

@@Doveproductions73 ..I agree Reilly, thanks for the positive comment!!!

[@hevendor958]

i would have Queen mary and United States saved

[@stevenikazy2943]

Thanks for your donation and work on this. Had never heard the story about the captain's chair before. I see the "Big U" every day.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

William Francis Gibbs was a hell of a stickler! Thanks for watching.

[@johnprentice1527]

Thanks for this wonderful video of the SS United States. My family and I traveled on her in 1953 from Europe to New York. I was eight years old and remembered that there was virtually no wood on her. I also remember the swimming pool and the dining room, where my parents told me that the kitchen had world-class chefs. The food WAS really good. Please contribute to her being restored to something of her former glory, even if she does not take to sea again.

[@BlamoHD]

This channel is too underrated! Keep the work up man!

[@TheGreatBigMove]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@BlamoHD]

No problem man!

[@anticat900]

This is a good review of the United States, though missed a few points, its engines were over powered for a commercial vessel and could not be run cost effectively, it was only viable therefore with a naval subsidy throughout its commercial life. Also my mum used to say (working on the Queen Mary), the United States would accelerate past the old Mary, sounding its horn as it did. But come bad weather, the Mary would catch it up and pass sounding its horn back! 😊

[@kinocorner976]

*Laughs in United States forever having the Blue Riband* All those years of building ships, to get out done by the Yankees…Sad.

[@oceanlinerhub5765]

This is Really Awesome!, My Favorite KZbinr making a Video on my Favorite Vessel!

[@floro7687]

Incorrect, most of it!

[@debyjaven8640]

RATQEWYUIOPLKJHGFDSG

[@debyjaven8640]

RAWQETUYOPISDGKLMBVZ

[@oceanlinerhub5765]

@@debyjaven8640 ?

[@debyjaven8640]

UOpkSFHKOUEQ

[@rileyrourke7442]

dude we have the exact same interests! i love all your videos. Keep it up, you do a great job!

[@TheGreatBigMove]

Thank you, Riley! I appreciate that. Let me know if there is a topic you think I should cover.

[@dylanhutson374]

We must save our ship! She is the absolute last of her kind! A true Lady in waiting...we must save the Unites States!

[@haechiwr]

Queen Mary?

[@eternalthread7846]

Music [WR] Queen Mary doesn’t have shit on the United States

[@atatexan]

We were at the Jersey Shore two weeks ago. We set aside a day to tour the USS New Jersey, Iowa-class battleship BB62 in Camden. Across the Delaware river is the sad-looking sophie United States. I had not seen her in 15 years. It suddenly occurred to me we were in the presence of two of William Francis Gibbs’ creations, the USS New Jersey (Gibbs served on the Iowa-class supervisory design board for the Navy) and the SS United States, two of the finest ships ever built.

[@connorpusey5912]

My favorite ocean liner. She is so sleek and streamlined it’s almost breathtaking, especially in her glory days! I saw her in Philadelphia last year and it was extraordinary and emotional knowing that I was in the presence of a maritime legend. Her size and presence was amazing! She must be saved and restored. She is not only an American legend but a maritime legend as a whole. I believe that she will be saved. Why would God/providence allow her to remain with us for so long, after so many ups and downs, so much uncertainty, if she was truly not a “lady in waiting”, as the conservancy likes to say? Her time will come again.

[@tomlindsay4629]

How cool to see a video of a historic ship that I've actually laid eyes on. Funny thing is that we went to Philadelphia primarily to visit USS Olympia, time being short, but I'd cpmpletely forgotten that United States was moored there until I saw her. Even Independence Hall slipped my one-track mind...I fell in love with that city that day.

[@divox9pqr]

We simply must preserve this technological marvel, even as a hotel/conference center/museum. Don't let it be scraped as we did with the Raymond Loewy S1, and T1 Penn Railroad locomotives....Please!!!!

[@AJ67901]

One of Clive Cussler's novels had a scheme by the bad guys to sail the SS United States up the Mississippi River and ground it sideways diverting the river to a newly excavated channel. Everything I've read on this ship indicates she's still faster than anything built since. Very impressive for something done 70 years ago.

[@DragonBlue68]

Several years ago, I made it a point to view this grand old lady on a trip through the area. Such a beautiful liner. A shame she sits rotting away.

[@ScottyDexter]

Great video, It's nice to see so much support for the Big U. Will you be covering The SS AMERICA as well? It's such an interesting story with some great visuals of nature and time claiming back the ship after a long life.

[@judebug329]

At the age of 7, my family and I traveled on this glorious ship in March of 1965. We left New York and ended our ocean journey in Bremerhaven. Our cabins were on a lower deck near an engine room. We may have been 3rd class (tourist perhaps?), but I do remember the food. It was amazing! She was beautiful. In June of 1970, we traveled from Southampton to New York, returning home on the amazing QE2. Another fascinating journey!

[@jamesbugbee6812]

Placing her alongside the Growler would B an extreme case of beauty-&-the-beast.

[@tommycorbet]

First and only time I had some "Baked Alaska". Sailed from NYC to Bremerhaven? with my family in 1968. My father was in the Army to be stationed in Germany. Do believe there was an interior swimming pool. Our push-button Plymouth Station Wagon also made the voyage. Definitely an impressive journey. We flew back, three years later, don't remember a thing!

[@Raptor05121]

Commenting to help the algorithm. I saw her not too recently and was amazed at how clean her lines looked

[@TheGreatBigMove]

Haha, thanks. Yes, she has great lines and a pretty clean appearance.

[@GisliKarlGislason]

Great to see a new channel on ocean liners. Can you do one video about SS Normandie?

[@TheGreatBigMove]

I will absolutely be doing a video on Normandie! Stay tuned.

[@MrArcher7]

Such a pretty ship. Anyone else think the SS America could have used a third funnel just for aesthetic value?

[@TheGreatBigMove]

I tend to prefer 3 funnels to 2 myself. Queen Mary was much better balanced than Queen Elizabeth as a result.

[@lesjones5684]

I was look this ship in Philadelphia last week ❤❤❤

[@christianbridges6915]

My grandmother emigrated to the US on this ship. Amazing

[@andrewbrendan1579]

Terrific production! So many great photos, so much great footage and so much great information. The S.S.U.S. really was and still is a wonder ship. The phrase "in a class all her own" really is accurate.---I did want to mention that I've read quite a bit about Marilyn Monroe and have never read about her ever being a passenger on the S.S. United States. (She and husband Arthur Miller went to and from England but by plane.) Perhaps Marilyn Monroe was a guest aboard the United States at a gathering of some type, maybe a bon voyage party?---If I had to choose between the United States and the America that would be a difficult choice, both ships outstanding in their own ways.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

Thank you! She really is a remarkable ship and one that I overlooked for a while. I learned a lot making this video. As to Marilyn Monroe, I have read in several places that she was a passenger. Including, I think, the website of her current owners--the SS United States Conservancy. With that said, one other person said the same thing. That person apparently follows everything to do with Marilyn, so maybe he and he are correct.

[@andrewbrendan1579]

@@TheGreatBigMove Along with being an ocean liner enthusiast since seeing "The Poseidon Adventure" in '72 I've also been interested in the life of Monroe for almost as long. In the many biographies and documentaries about her that I've read and seen there are no photos ;newsreels; TV footage; memoirs; interview anecdotes from friends and co-workers or United States Line staff and no documents about Marilyn Monroe being a passenger on the United States and her life has been so closely examined that it can possibly or definitely be determined where she was at any time between the maiden voyage of the United States and her death in 1962. Marilyn Monroe did have what someone once described as a "...compartmentalized life". Even while married to Arthur Miller and without his knowledge she had a separate apartment under a different name but I don't see how the actress could have traveled overseas even briefly unless she had a fake passport and could go unrecognized.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

@@andrewbrendan1579 All good to know. I will admit that I did not find any primary sources citing her being onboard. If I could revise the video, I would. Maybe I will update the thumbnail when I have some spare time. Thanks for the information!

[@andrewbrendan1579]

@@TheGreatBigMove Here's a fun fact about M.M. and the S.S.U.S. : When LIFE magazine had a story about the debut of the S.S. United States, Marilyn Monroe's picture was on the front cover, the first of many times she would be there.

[@Lkpreslar]

I was fortunate to be able to sail on the SS United States in 1966, as a 9 year old boy. My USAF family was given a treat, a free ride home courtesy of the U. S. Government. My father had done an excellent job for the Air Force in England, running the U.K. Subsistence Depot, which distributed supplies to all the Air Force Bases in Great Britain. It was a job that a Brigadier General usually took , as I was told, however my father was a Major. Still he was an economic genius , had a masters from U. of Wisconsin and enough credits for a PhD. Our voyage went right through the after effects of a hurricane, waves were very high and I was sick as a dog the first few days.. My mother took Dramamine and ate and drank like a queen. My fondest memory is passing the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor as the sub was coming up. I am a member of the Association trying to save the ship. Worthy cause.

[@tuanh_duong]

Well she has been saved !! Fingers crossed that they will retain the original exterior appearance

[@naomifox9337]

Wow u did awesome job doing research.

[@MrCarsdude]

Amazing video of a real sea Queen!

[@TheGreatBigMove]

Making this video made me appreciate her even more. Fantastic ship with a tragically short career.

[@jamesbugbee6812]

A bit of that old, vivid color film of the ship in a sea of whitecaps had me seemingly smell the Atlantic (much saltier than the Pacific), cool. 💜

[@Historyofliners-WhiteStar]

Dude you inspired me a lot

[@mr.communist3906]

That ‘k’ in front of the sub count should be an ‘m’.... yt is drunk again...

[@richardcline1337]

One night as the troopship I was on was headed to Germany, we passed the SS United States. She was HUGE in comparison tot he Victory ship I was on. He lights were opn and she looked like a floating city. It is a shame that such a magnificent ship has bens o neglected by the country that she represented so well. With all the money that has been wasted on illegal invaders one would think some of it could have served a better purpose in keeping this grand old lady of the oceans alive and operating even as a museum ship.

[@jonathansim678]

Travelled on this ship in 1960, but being only 5 years old, don’t remember very much except that we went through very rough seas, being that it was December from USA to Europe.

[@laureng6412]

It's amazing how a ship that old, that went through that much history, is even still floating. It's crazy to think that a ship that is older than my parents, that at one point was rivaled to planes, hasn't been preserved as a museum yet. Its history is very interesting, and it deserves more than sitting at a pier waiting for the money to roll in.

[@Local-Of-The-Mitten-State]

That's amazing how they put battlecruiser-like engines on an ocean liner.

[@kevanimations286]

Amazing video, with very high quality! Congrats :) btw you should do a video about the story of the Britannic or the Queen Mary

[@hawkdsl]

I read a story that she had to outrun a hurricane in the Atlantic once by one of the engineers. Doing so she exceeded 50 knots, and the engineer said she had a whole lot more if they needed it. Even they were awed by her power. They never ran her full speed with passengers aboard, as wind speeds on deck would be problematic. At one time her propeller designs where classified.

[@thesketchydude1315]

my "boss" and good friend Taki Kyiraikides actually had plans to fully rebuild her in around 1989 to 1992 for his Regency Cruises, but due to costs instead went for a smaller partly new-build which...was sadly also left abandoned (Regent Sky, 1990-2011)

[@flyingbeep]

13:37 runtime nice

[@nicholasfield6127]

It would be cool if NCL bought her back and converted her to a cruise ship. I'd want to buy tickets for a cruise on it.

[@KnightFilms32]

it would have been cool if Celebrity Cruise Lines managed to buy back the SS America, by 1995..

[@jimtaylor2715]

America you owe this old girl a second life.

[@mckenziemcmillan622]

I love that the newspaper clip you put in for Prohibition is from Vancouver Canada :)

[@naomifox9337]

I LOVE LEARNING ABT HISTORY.

[@lucasread1743]

The SS United States is the greatest classic ocean liner of all time.

[@generaljemssmjem437]

This ship looks beautiful, and her history is very interesting, hopefully she'll be saved, although surprised of her own speed, not even the US navy can catch up to her

[@germanshepherdlover2613]

So sad to see her rusting away. Beautiful ship and so bloody fast!

[@alexwest2573]

I hate seeing old awesome ships getting scrapped, I guess I just like preserving history lol, living about 40 miles from U-505 is probably why I’m into old ocean going vessels so much

[@PennsyPappas]

At least the ship still exists and that's saying more for it than so many long lost ocean liners. It would be cool if it could be restored to an active ocean liners and serve along side the likes of Queen Mary 2. Probably won't happen but one can dream.

[@bekluwe]

Maybe it’s possible to save the United States. In Germany they saved one of the legendary Flying P-Liners, which were the height of sail ships. It’s called „Peking“, it’s homeport is Hamburg, it’s 115 meters in length and it was launched in 1911. It was faster than steam ships at the time. It was sold in 1932 and never saw a German port again until 2017. She laid in New York for 40 years and was rusting away when she was finally sold in 2017 for 100 Dollars. Between 2017 and 2020 she was restored. Right now, she is fitted out which equipment before becoming a museum ship in early 2021.

[@LWolf12]

Gibbs didn't even want a wooden piano, until I think Steinway was set a piano on fire to prove it was fire resistant.

[@divox9pqr]

Crossing the Atlantic in 3days 12 hrs. In the 50’s. No ship afloat can do that now. But where is this example to technology today. It’s resting in a decaying state in Philadelphia harbor with an uncertain fate after yrs of sorrowful neglect, that’s where it is. This is an example of our lack of respect for our own achievement. The designer, Gibbs is rolling in his grave with the state of his achievement. A massive effort has been launched to preserve the ship by making it into a museum conference center, and there is extensive fun raising for this. But, it is by no means a done deal. These plans could fall short and the ship scrapped at any time. We need to support this effort vigorously to save this example of American ingenuity. Let us not abandoned this achievement as we have others such as the Raymond Loewy T1 and S1 locomotives. These are examples to make America great...to coin a phrase.

[@skyden24195]

The first time I had ever heard of this ship was on the Jack Benny program in which Jack goes onto the Groucho Marx television show, "You Bet Your Life." *Groucho:* "What ship holds the speed record for Trans-Atlantic crossings?" *Contestant/Actress:* "The steam ship United States." *Groucho:* "Right again!"

[@briananthony4044]

The Navy had her hull built with 2 inch steel plating so she was tough. The propulsion system was from the New Jersey type battleships and also used on the new Forrestal supper carriers and subsequent large carriers, even the props were secret as they too were used on those naval ships.

[@nordisk1874]

Only issue. The only funnels on a US flagged ship are in the galley and engine rooms. They are called stacks! Other then that great video.

[@yeetandskeet]

CHECK RECENT NEWS ON THE SHIP! It is likely she will now be saved!

[@masterewoks8121]

What have you heard about the ship?

[@fraudbuster5232]

I saw the same articles recently. People have been trying to breathe new life into this ship for several decades. I'll believe it when I see it.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

@@fraudbuster5232 You're not wrong. I am hopeful, but generally share our sentiment on the matter.

[@vicmclaglen1631]

A 40kt ocean liner; that really is mind blowing. Didn't I read once that she could steam ~20kts Astern? Something like that, which for a conventional shaft and prop setup is very impressive as well.

[@stephenmccloughan7541]

Cunard should get her and turn her back into a working liner

[@TheGreatBigMove]

Stephen McCloughan I appreciate your optimism. Don’t think that will happen, though. For the same cost, they could custom-build another liner optimized for economic return. Cunard is owned by Carnival after all.

[@stephenmccloughan7541]

@@TheGreatBigMove yes, that's true.

[@stephenmccloughan7541]

@@TheGreatBigMove I with Congress, the president would step in and turn it into a troop ship. Like it was kinda designed for.

[@stevenikazy2943]

Too costly to convert her steering to modern requirements.

[@stephenmccloughan7541]

@@stevenikazy2943 yes, better for a troop ship.

[@A92CB7]

I can regularly see THE QUEEN MARY whenever I want because I live in Los Angeles 15 miles away

[@vilstef6988]

A friend of mine whose mother was British crossed several times on the United States in the 1950s.

[@Adielstien]

Everytime I go to best buy I see this awesome ship. Looks scary as hell at night

[@anticat900]

Its good to see it is still around, though its rare liners that escape the scrap merchant ever can find a profitable existence as they are so pricey to maintain even while docked.

[@Leerox1]

Loving your videos mate, well researched and easy to consume, keep up the great content!

[@cmplx6114]

You make good ship storys and i'll give you a like and subscribe

[@klausr8700]

Who else knows the flight controller reference in the intro. Brickyard 44, Republic airlines HQ Indianapolis, Indiana. Hence call sign Brickyard home of the INDY 500.

[@wilhufftarkin8543]

What a beautiful ship.

[@samadams2203]

I had never heard of the SS United States and her impressive nature before. It is strange to me that other great liners(mostly the brits) are so well known while this vessel is not! I hope she finds a comfortable berth soon.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

Thank you for watching! I have thoroughly enjoyed making these videos for the past several months and can say with confidence that the content is improving. So is my audience! You all have been engaged and thoughtful from the beginning. If you like the show, please help out and SHARE your favorite Great Big Move video on social media. Also, follow @TheGreatBigMove on INSTAGRAM for unique photos and interesting captions.

[@sollariuum]

I met ur channel today and already watched 3 videos! And I could notice how they improved! Good job! :)

[@soanedewinter1474]

Finally a channel dedicated to transatlantic maritime history! Have you read ‘The Only Way to Cross’ by Maxtone-Graham? I recognise a lot of the narrative in this video

[@TheGreatBigMove]

@@sollariuum I appreciate that! I feel that I'm improving too. Thanks for watching and let me know if you want to request any video topics.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

@@soanedewinter1474 I actually started reading it a couple days ago, but not before I made this video. It's possible that the narrative written by Maxtone-Graham is prevalent in other sources as well. I'll find out!

[@vilstef6988]

@@TheGreatBigMove I'm of the opinion that Maxtone-Graham is the most outstanding writer on ocean liners and ocean travel. Sadly, he passed away several years ago. (In other books, I have recently acquired a copy of Lives of the Liners by Frank O Braynard. William Miller is another writer who has some excellent books on the great liners.)

[@paulhudson8321]

If you saw the incredible work they completed on the QE 2 as a hotel and resort there’s no reason why the US can’t do the same thing.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

Paul Hudson No technical reason that I know of. It’s just a matter or will and economics, I suppose.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

jdslyman I get the sense that they’re trying. But QM is a big ship with a lot of maintenance costs even though she isn’t operational. Maybe the ghost tours help fund the maintenance. If so, I’m OK with it.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

@jdslyman I absolutely agree. Beyond that, we tend to personify ships which makes it sadder to see the deterioration and neglect.