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Conservancy Advisory Council member Billie Jean King looks at a previous year's calendar and other SS United States items
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What do Billie Jean King and the
SS United States have in common?
As a world-class athlete, she has won 39 Grand Slam titles, a record 20 Wimbledon titles, 13 US titles, and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. She also was named one of the 100 most influential Americans of the 20th Century by Time Magazine. Tennis legend Billie Jean King is a woman who stands strong for what she believes in. And as such, combined with her outstanding athletic achievements, she was recently appointed as a member of the US delegation to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
We are fortunate that this amazing individual is a representative of the United States -- not only our Olympic team, but also OUR United States. As a member of the Conservancy's Advisory Council, she lends her support and strength to the work we're doing to save America's Flagship. One legend supporting another, both strong, record-breaking, influential Americans, representing the nation's best.
The Conservancy is getting ready to ship out the 2014 SS United States wall calendar. This year's edition highlights some of the SS United States' staff and crew and also includes glorious photos of the ship in service.
The 12" x 9" 2014 calendars are priced at just $16.95 each, plus $5 to cover shipping and handling in the US and Canada, or $8 to other international locations. And by ordering yours today, you, too, can support the United States.
To order your 2014 SS United States wall calendar to ship:
Support our efforts now to
help rescue and restore the SS United States
Also in this Issue:
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 Faith and Vision
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As our nation pauses today to honor a great humanitarian and civil rights leader, we are reminded of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s many achievements, including receiving the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 35.
We also are reminded of the nation's history of racial discrimination. But as Roz McPherson, traveling with her family from Louisiana to New York to France on board the SS United States in 1958, stated: "We were integrated into the mainstream of the ship's life for the three-day journey. Even at the age of 5, I knew that this ship was special."
 | | Five-year-old Roz McPherson with her father, Capt. James McPherson, and family on board the SS United States |
Dr. King held fast to his vision of our nation becoming one of freedom and equality. As we move forward in our steps to save and redevelop this great ship, let us remember Dr. King's following words: "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
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Launching Shipway N� 10: a Blog for Shipsters!
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We're excited to announce the launch of our second blog, Shipway N� 10! If you're interested in topics ranging from SS United States's construction and history, to mid-twentieth century maritime art and design, to depictions of the Big U in pop culture, then stop by the Shipway!
Have an idea for a Shipway N� 10 post, or want to be a guest writer? Contact us at comm@ssusc.org.
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Junior Shipster with a Purpose
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"As time ticks away, my purpose becomes clearer...spread the word and save
this amazing ship!" - Ravi Giberson, 11 years old
Ravi Giberson's passion for the SS United States is infectious. Among Conservancy members and Big U fans, he's most well-known for a speech he gave at a Conservancy event last summer. Since then, Ravi's enthusiasm has only grown, and he's stepping up his efforts to help spread the word about the SS United States' plight. He recently published an article in The Fallser, a local newspaper serving the East Falls suburb of Philadelphia. "I am a Philadelphian," he says, "and although the ship has been left to sit, I can see a happy ending." Read the full article on page 2 here. Have your own Junior Shipster in tow? Check out the Conservancy's Junior Shipsters page, designed just for them! It includes ideas for parents and teachers on how to incorporate the ship's history into lesson plans and fun activities. |
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In the News
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 | | Photo courtesy of Robert Hope |
As we begin the new year, we continue our efforts to place the SS United States in the media spotlight. Recent articles in the Daily News and the Daily Press share some background on the Big U and a look ahead.
On January 6, Philadelphia Daily News staff reporter David Gambacorta wrote about the Conservancy's efforts, and offered some thoughts about Big U's outlook in 2014. As he states at the beginning of his article: "YOU GOTTA SAY this much for the people who are trying to resurrect the SS United States: There's no quit in 'em." Read the article HERE.
The United States is no stranger to Hampton Roads. In addition to having a Conservancy chapter there, America's Flagship was built in nearby Newport News. In fact, the keel was laid there 64 years ago February 8. Hugh Lessig of the Newport News-based Daily Press talks about those early days and shares some stories from former crew member Joe Muchulsky in his January 5 article.
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Florida Chapter Holiday Meeting
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The Florida Chapter of the Conservancy held its holiday kick-off meeting at the home of members in Miami on Saturday, December 7th. Those who attended enjoyed a festive evening surrounded by maritime collectibles, and filled with delicious food, drink, and great conversation. One member drove 4 hours to attend the meeting, while another dedicated member drove 8 hours to attend. Since members of the chapter are located in various areas of the state, it was decided that the location of future meetings will be alternated, giving others who are interested an opportunity to attend.
The evening began with conversation and dinner, followed by the meeting, during which chapter officers were elected, goals were discussed, and chapter guidelines were set. Several members shared potential outreach opportunities, including space at upcoming boat shows, an article by a member who is an American Maritime Officer, and a thread post on the Cruise Critic discussion board by a regular contributor to the web site.
Plans were set in motion for t he next chapter meeting, which will take place in mid-February at the Palm Beach resident of another member. Anyone who was unable to attend the December meeting but is interested in joining the chapter is encouraged to contact Chapter President Andy Herdan at andyherdan@live.com. Once the specific date and time of the February meeting is set, it will be announced in an email blast and all interested in the Florida SSUSC Chapter are invited to attend.
The Florida Conservancy Chapter is encouraged by the enthusiasm shared that evening, enthusiasm it believes speaks to the makings of a strong support team for the SSUSC. |
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A Review of the Hampton Roads Chapter Holiday Celebration
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On December 12th the newly-formed Hampton Roads Chapter held its first meeting at the Newport News office of Gibbs & Cox, Inc., and the turnout was great. The first few hours were spent enjoying snacks and refreshments while reviewing numerous pictures recently taken on board the ship. We then developed a list of places to target for getting the word out to help support the Conservancy's efforts to Save Our Ship. There were a lot of really good ideas discussed, and we've already started making progress, but there's a long way to go.
It was really nice to see all the support here in our area, and we know there are many others who would love to get involved. Therefore, we would like to invite all those interested to join us at our next meeting on February 26, 2014, at 7pm.
The meeting will be held at the Gibbs & Cox office located at 700 Thimble Shoals Boulevard, Suite 100, in Newport News. Joe Muchulsky, a former crew member, will be sharing some of his many experiences while working on the Big U -- a night not to be missed! Please plan on joining us and getting involved. Let's show everyone out there just how much pride we have in the ship that was constructed right here in our own backyard at Newport News Shipyard!
If you'd like to attend, please RSVP to Keith Harper at kharper@gibbscox.com. We look forward to seeing you on February 26! |
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Who Was Chota Peg?
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 | | Chota Peg & Commodore Anderson, courtesy of Charles Anderson |
Along with the thousands of passengers who traveled aboard the SS United States during her 17 years of service, there was a very special crew member that delighted all who knew him: Chota Peg. A lovely Cocker Spaniel, Chota lived his entire life aboard the various ships on which Captain Anderson worked.
Chota Peg, which is Hindustani for "small drink," was bought as a 4-month-old from a Manhattan pet shop to live with the Andersons. He eventually ended up becoming the Captain's most faithful companion at sea.
Read more about Chota Peg's 14-year-long maritime career, including the astounding number of nautical miles he traveled and how his adventures began, HERE. |
Dates in SS United States History
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January 3, 1953: SS United States arrives in Bremerhaven, Germany, for the first time. She is carrying 617 passengers, most of them American military personnel.
January 5, 1769: James Watt patents the first modern steam engine.
January 10, 1893: Meyer Davis, the famous bandleader who later managed the three orchestras aboard the SS United States, is born.
January 18, 1962: Jacques Angelvin and Fran�ois Scaglia are arrested for smuggling 24 pounds of heroin into the US aboard the United States. These events are included in the book and later movie, The French Connection.
January 21, 1970: "Grand Pacific Tour" is scheduled to begin - the first time the SS United States is to pass through the Panama Canal. The cruise was cancelled in November 1969 when the ship was laid up.
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Help us reach more people in our quest
to save America's Flagship.
Thanks to your support, we are now at over 10,200 followers on
our Facebook page! Be sure to like our page, follow us on Twitter, and encourage your friends, colleagues and family members to do the same!
 
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SS United States Conservancy
P.O. Box 32115
Washington, DC 20007
(888)-488-7787
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