Step on board the SS United States. You are now entering a Hard Hat Area.
If today was any day between July 1952 and November 1969, you'd be greeted by the warmth of a crew on an extremely modern and comfortable ship. Thousands of others would be on board. Good food, good company, fresh air - your senses would be having a field day. But that is history.
As we progress, remember, it is not the metal nor the power that makes this a great ship. It is the human spirit that built her. The same spirit that just might be able to rebuild the SS United States.
I hope that is why you are here today.
My name is Mike Alexander. I'm here to challenge an ocean of cynicism. Is it possible to ignite some national pride and rebuild the SS United States?
Not as a casino. Not as a mall attraction. Not as a fixed hotel. Not even as the world's most incredible Club House Resort at a Tiger Woods designed golf resort on the bay.
Those are all great ideas.
I know, I have had them all. In the past year those and many other concepts have popped into my head or come across my desk. Daily, I hear of more wonderful ideas from others. The creative spirit is alive after all.
And get this....I've even discussed electricity buy back arrangements on board her deck with an official representing a big city. We discussed the feasibility of plugging her into the utility company's power grid. You see, the SS United States is capable of generating enough electrical power to support a city of 10,000 people.
And that power grid discussion, in great detail, all took place while I was sleeping. Yes, just a dream.
Well, maybe you've also had some great dreams about this great ship. But now it is time to act and make the dream happen.
Let's continue our tour. I won't have time to show you everything, but I think you'll see enough.
As you look around maybe you will begin to see this incredible vessel as I do. You see, I believe there is another mission for the SS UNITED STATES. One that will ensure her future. One that is lasting in its impact deep where we all live. Let's look around first, then we'll discuss her future. As you tour the ship, maybe you'll be able to see into the future and picture the SS UNITED STATES alive with passengers, crew and millions of visitors as she steams into a port near you. Let's build a future and have the SS UNITED STATES take us there.