In Memory: Our Flagship Champion, Philanthropist H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest

The SS United States Conservancy is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Philadelphia philanthropist H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest. One of the nation's foremost philanthropists, in 2011 Lenfest donated the funds necessary to prevent the scrapping of the iconic SS United States, allowing the SS United States Conservancy to purchase the vessel from Norwegian Cruise Line.

The SS United States remains the only American ocean liner still afloat, and still holds the transatlantic speed record. Since Lenfest's transformative donation in 2011, the Conservancy has built a community of supporters from across the nation and around the world and is working to advance a long-term redevelopment plan to save the historic vessel for future generations.

Philadelphia philanthropist H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest with America's Flagship, the SS United States.

Susan Gibbs, Executive Director of the SS United States Conservancy, writes:

"Gerry Lenfest was our hero. Without him, our nation's flagship would have been lost to history. Like all great Americans, Gerry turned his own success into a way to give back to his community, his country, and the world. When he saw a need, he responded with a generosity and vision that inspired countless others to rally to great causes. When the SS United States was only days away from being lost forever, Gerry Lenfest stepped forward. He said that the SS United States was the 'most majestic, most beautiful ship afloat.'

He believed the ship was 'built at a time when "Made in America" really meant something, and that is a legacy that cannot be lost.' We will continue to uphold Gerry’s own extraordinary legacy. The SS United States Conservancy — and indeed the entire nation — is deeply indebted to a true American patriot and visionary. We wish Gerry fair winds and following seas, and we will work every day to honor his commitment to the SS United States and the nation’s maritime history."

Lenfest is awarded the Conservancy's National Flagship Champion medal in 2010 following his pledge of $5.8 million for the purchase of the vessel. Photograph courtesy of Josimar de Souza.

The Conservancy offers our heartfelt condolences to all of Gerry's family and friends, and extends our deepest gratitude for his crucial role in securing a future for America's Flagship, the SS United States. Moving tributes to Lenfest and his remarkable philanthropic work can be found in the New York Times and Washington Post.

Help us honor H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest's extraordinary vision for the SS United States.

Together, we can ensure a brilliant second act for this global ambassador and all-American record-breaker. Make your donation today, and join the fight to save the fastest and greatest ocean liner the world has ever known.

Fox News Calls to Save American Icon, "SS United States could be America's Flagship once again"

The SS United States in her heyday. Photograph courtesy of Nick Landiak.

She's the largest luxury ocean liner "ever built in the United States using all American products and by American workers: Meet 'America's Flagship,' the SS United States."

The SS United States has been a cultural touchstone since her maiden voyage in 1952. Today, she remains an international media sensation. Check out this piece by Fox News, highlighting the urgent need to save America's Flagship:

The fastest ocean liner ever built, she carried more than 1.5 million passengers across the Atlantic and was designed to rapidly convert to a Navy troop ship in the event of war. In an interview with anchor Jon Scott, Conservancy Executive Director Susan Gibbs remembered the determination of her grandfather, ship designer William Francis Gibbs: "He really saw this as a patriotic contribution. He was quite competitive, and back in the early days when the European liners were dominating the seas, he really felt America should win that race."

Conservancy spokesperson Tom Basile also commented on the incredible significance of the SS United States: "It represents who we are as a country when we're at our very best... That's what the United States means to so many people, us being able to come together and do something that is really powerful and really special. And back in the '50s, and the beginning of the Cold War, that's what this ship symbolized to America and to the world."

A symbol of American ingenuity, prestige and pride, she has seen more United States presidents as passengers than any other vessel. Comparable to the Liberty Bell, or the Washington Monument, the SS United States is an American icon that we cannot afford to lose.America's Flagship needs our help. Photograph courtesy of Fox News.

Thanks to our generous supporters, the SS United States Conservancy has been able to keep the SS United States safely afloat thus far. As we work to honor her legacy and chart a course towards her revitalization, the future of this great ship continues to depend upon your steadfast support and commitment to helping us spread the word about her incredible history and potential.

"We need the President to take notice and Congress to take notice…We can work together as a nation to save America's Flagship."

Watch the Fox News story and read the article HERE.

Development potential of SS United States is focus of Conservancy executive director’s letter to the editor

The SS United States Conservancy continues its efforts to secure a permanent location for America's Flagship and identify partners that share that vision. In a New York Times letter to the editor last week, Susan Gibbs, the Conservancy’s executive director, described how the SS United States offers a unique development opportunity.

In her letter, Gibbs, who is also the granddaughter of SS United States designer William Francis Gibbs, responded to the New York Times editorial board, affirming that “New York should welcome the S.S. United States, the country’s fabled flagship and sole remaining ocean liner, back to the city it once called home.” With the recent demise of a major development planned for Piers 54/55 in Manhattan's Meatpacking District, the SS United States could provide a new, dynamic centerpiece to attract visitors and revenue to the Hudson River Park. Berthed in New York, the SS United States could celebrate the city's storied maritime history and its fabled "Luxury Liner Row" as well as represent a centerpiece of environmental innovation. While the Conservancy is exploring several future ports-of-call, the prospect of the the SS United States' grand return to her original home port of New York is particularly exciting to many. Read Susan Gibbs' letter to the editor HERE.