An irreplaceable historic symbol could soon be homeless and face destruction. The SS United States, the only vessel to the bear the name of our nation, is in an intense race against time to remain safely afloat. The ship’s owner and caretaker, the national nonprofit SS United States Conservancy has launched an urgent effort to raise $500,000 to help cover the costs of the ship’s potential relocation and other critical expenses.

US District Court Senior Judge Anita Brody ruled today that the SS United States’ landlord, Penn Warehousing, could not double dockage fees without notice in its effort to force “America’s Flagship” from Pier 82 in Philadelphia. However, the Court also directed the irreplaceable national symbol to vacate the premises by September 12, 2024.