Dear Fellow SS United States Supporter:

I hope this finds you well. It's been a busy year so far for the SS United States Redevelopment Project (SSUSRP) and I'd like to update you on the real estate development aspects of preserving and re-purposing our great national flagship.

You may recall that the SSUSRP was established by the SS United States Conservancy in 2011 to handle ship management, remediation, and business development tasks related to the ship. While the Conservancy is focused on preserving the vessel's extraordinary history and enhancing its educational and curatorial programs and reach, the SSUSRP will insure that the ship's considerable economic potential is fully harnessed. What a tremendous job Conservancy Executive Director Susan Gibbs and the organization's board of directors, advisory council, staff, volunteers, and chapters have done. There is a long way to go by both the Conservancy and SSUSRP to ensure a dignified future for the Big U, but an excellent foundation has been laid and some very exciting initiatives will soon be unveiled.

On the business side, the main priority has been to find real estate development partners who share a passion for the SS United States' legacy and who have the wherewithal, capital, and experience needed to create a world-class, mixed-use complex. Having discussed this vision with numerous developers, government officials, civic organizations, maritime experts, and other knowledgeable professionals, we clearly understand how challenging - and inspiring - this project will be. Re-purposing the Big U is one of the most dynamic and interesting development opportunities in the country and we're fully committed to ensuring its success.

The contributions by those involved in our efforts to date have been significant and a number of individuals and organizations should be acknowledged as we continue to pursue the redevelopment of the ship.

John Reynolds and Nick Manzi of Atlantic Logistics deserve special recognition. They have been ship managers for the SS United States since 2003 and have done a superb job keeping the vessel secure and in great shape. The SSUSRP is lodged in Atlantic Logistics' Philadelphia office.

Extra special thanks also go to Frank Nolan of Vedder Price, our corporate counsel, and Chris Bell of Sidley and Austin, our environmental counsel. Without their visionary and generous efforts, we would certainly not have advanced to this point.

Our esteemed Blue Riband Panel must also be acknowledged. Their experience, wisdom, and networks will greatly advance our cause.

Thanks also to New Canaan Advisors, our real estate consultants; Empire Strategies, our strategic communications firm; and ATC, our remediation company. They have carried our mission forward with great accuracy, professionalism, and care.

In the final analysis, we have made significant strides on the redevelopment front but there is still some heavy lifting in front of us. Now is the time for us to double-down on our efforts in the firm knowledge that we must and will succeed. When it comes to the SS United States, failure is simply not an option.

Thank you for your ongoing interest and support.

Sincerely,

Dan McSweeney
Managing Director
SS United States Redevelopment Project
www.ssusredevelopment.com