The SS United States, America’s Flagship, arrived in Mobile, Alabama today after an approximately 1,800-mile tow from her berth in Philadelphia. The iconic national symbol and last surviving American ocean liner will now undergo preparations for her deployment as the “World’s Largest Artificial Reef” off Florida’s Gulf Coast near Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
“Today, the nation’s sole surviving ocean liner will glide down the Delaware River to begin the next chapter in her uniquely American story. As the fastest ship to ever cross the Atlantic travels for the first time since arriving in Philadelphia in 1996, we are reminded of the postwar high-water mark that the SS United States so gracefully and powerfully embodied when she was launched in 1951.”
“This week the SS United States Conservancy participated in a court-ordered confidential mediation following our motion to extend the deadline to move the ship from Philadelphia’s Pier 82. Progress toward addressing a range of issues was made, but it will require additional time and discussions to come to an amicable resolution to this dispute.
“As a result, Judge Anita Brody issued an order temporarily suspending the deadline for the removal of the vessel pending additional negotiations between the parties. The Conservancy’s efforts in the days ahead will continue to center around conducting good faith negotiations and ensuring that the legacy of America’s Flagship endures and inspires for future generations. We will continue to work tirelessly to chart the best possible forward course for the SS United States given the constraints placed upon us by this litigation.”
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“The SS United States Conservancy welcomes today's court-supervised mediation in its dispute with Penn Warehousing. We are grateful that the Judge's earlier order for the ship to be removed from Pier 82 was held in abeyance as we continue to work in good faith to resolve this dispute and relocate the vessel safely. We remain steadfast in our determination to ensure that the legacy of America’s Flagship endures and inspires future generations. While we were disappointed that Penn Warehousing continues to disparage and denigrate both the Conservancy and the historic symbol of our nation, we hope that Penn Warehousing will enter mediation in good faith.”
