January 8, 2013 - PRESS RELEASE: SS United States Conservancy Applauds London's QE2 Plan
Hopes U.S. Officials Will Support Similar Vision for America's Flagship(New York, NY) January 8, 2013—The SS United States Conservancy, owners of America’s Flagship, the historic SS United States, released the following statement praising key officials in the City of London for backing a redevelopment and museum plan for the QE2, which was recently rumored to have been sold for scrap by its owners in Dubai. The Conservancy is currently pursuing similar redevelopment options for the famed American ship in hopes of saving the fastest ocean liner ever built from demolition:“The return of the QE2 to London would be a great victory for all those who support the preservation and re-use of historic, endangered vessels like the QE2 and the SS United States. Here at home, however, our nation’s great flagship – the fastest ocean liner ever built and the largest made in America – is still in danger of being lost forever. While our efforts have garnered support from people across the nation and around the world and we continue to have productive conversations with developers and government officials, time is running out for us to save the United States.“We hope that officials in New York or another east coast city will be as supportive to the SS United States as officials in London are to the proposed QE2 redevelopment project. Saving the SS United States and transforming her into a enduring waterfront showpiece and innovative museum space will protect this extraordinary piece of our history for future generations, create thousands of jobs, contribute to the economic revitalization of an urban waterfront setting, and celebrate one of the nation’s greatest technological achievements.“Longer than the QE2 and faster than the Queen Mary, the United States remains an enduring symbol of 20th century American innovation and optimism. She provides enormous opportunity as a waterfront development, including hotel, dining, event spaces, and world-class museum with more than 500,000 square feet of usable space. Nothing this significant that bears the name of our great nation should be left to rust or be destroyed.“Kudos to London for your efforts. Let’s hope America will follow suit.”To learn more about the SS United States and support the cause to save America’s Flagship visit SavetheUnitedStates.org or SSUSC.org. Real estate development opportunities are described at the SS United States Redevelopment Project site: www.SSUSRedevelopment.com.ABOUT THE SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCYA national nonprofit organization and owner of the greatest American ocean liner ever built, the SS United States Conservancy leads the global effort to save and re-purpose the SS United States. The Conservancy raises public awareness and financial resources for the maintenance, restoration and ultimate adaptive re-use of this iconic vessel and works to ensure that the fastest ocean liner ever to cross the Atlantic remains an inspiration for generations to come. For more information about the SS United States visit SSUSC.org.MEDIA CONTACTThomas J. Basile – Tbasile@EmpireStrategy.com – 917-579-2216