Important dates for the
SS United States
William Francis Gibbs first conceptualized a premier ship in 1914 and model tested
in 1916
Formal design of the SS UNITED STATES
began July 19, 1945
Model unveiled April 5, 1948
Bids submitted and December 1, 1948
Authorized April 8, 1949
Keel laid - 104 foot section weighing 55 tons
February 8th 1950
Christening June 23, 1951
Builders Sea Trials May 14th, 16, 1952
Official Sea trials June 9/10 1952
Delivered to U.S. Lines at Newport News
June 20th of 1952
Arrived at home port - Pier 86 in New York City
June 23, 1952
Maiden voyage
from New York to Havre to Southampton
July 3, 1952
Laid up December 1969
Present Location: Philadelphia, PA USA
Mrs. Tom Connally, wife of the Senator from Texas, who was her official sponsor,
christened the SS United States at precisely 12:43 p.m. on June 23, 1951 in the
first christening ceremony ever to be televised.
The Big U was launched by floatation. This means that water was let into the graving
dock where she was built until she floated. Water first touched the keel of the
SS United States at 4:14 p.m. on June 22, 1951 and she first floated at 5:01 a.m.
June 23, 1951.
Learn more:
Specs
Passengers & Crew
Public Spaces Aboard
Power & Speed
How Big is the SS UNITED STATES?
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