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Felix Baumgartner before his record-breaking jump this week (photo credit Red Bull Stratos) and the SS United States before her record-breaking voyage in 1952 (photo courtesy of Corbis Images)
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Dear SS United States Conservancy Friends and Supporters:
On Sunday, I joined 8 million other web viewers to watch Felix Baumgartner soar 24 miles into the sky in his helium-filled balloon before hurtling back toward earth.
As the SS United States Conservancy enters a crucial stretch in its efforts to assure a dignified future for the SS United States, I find myself comparing Baumgartner's achievement with the SS United States' triumphant maiden voyage. Both shattered world records: Baumgartner catapulted 128,100 feet for 4 minutes and 20 seconds - achieving a speed of 833.9 miles per hour - before landing safely in the New Mexico desert. Sixty years ago, the SS United States sped 2,938 miles across the ocean in three days, 10 hours and 40 minutes at an average speed of 41 miles per hour.
However, one crucial difference in these record-breaking performances stands out. Baumgartner's triumph was largely a solo act. Yes, hundreds of people staffed Red Bull Stratos' mission command. But Baumgartner stood alone as he opened his hatch and said, "Sometimes you have to go up really high to see how small you really are." In contrast, the SS United States was packed with people. Back in 1952, the "Big U" showcased how private industry, government, artists, engineers, innovators and the public could join forces to push technological limits and achieve greatness. The 53,300-ton vessel carried not only 1,700 passengers and 1,000 officers and crew as she sprinted across the sea on her record-breaking maiden voyage. She carried the national pride and global aspirations of her namesake nation.
Felix Baumgartner's daring exploits provided a brief respite from a divisive election season and our economic woes. Now that Baumgartner has landed safely, we must turn toward achieving a safe harbor for the SS United States. America's Flagship remains in danger. Without a meaningful uptick in financial support by the end of the year, the vessel's extraordinary historic importance and future potential will not be realized. We need your help as we continue to advance our redevelopment efforts and lay the groundwork for our Center of American Design and Discovery that will educate, inspire and endure for decades to come.
For more information about the Conservancy's current curatorial and redevelopment plans, see our newly revised "Frequently Asked Questions" summary by clicking HERE.
To help us Save Our Ship, please click HERE.
As always, we can't thank you enough for your support.
Susan L Gibbs
Executive Director
SS United States Conservancy
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