MEMORIES OF SS UNITED STATES CONQUERING 135-FOOT WAVES IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC

Thomas McGuire's Big U Return Brings Back Flood of Memories
When Conservancy supporters and Flagship enthusiasts recently crossed the gangway and stepped in to "Times Square" for a special supporters tour, it was like stepping back in time for one member of the tour group.

As a cadet at Fort Schuyler, Thomas McGuire saw the Big Ship in pictures and artwork around the halls of the Maritime Academy. But his first encounter came as a member of the Maritime College Band, when the band performed at the final docking of Commodore John Anderson's career. After Anderson had docked the ship, without the assistance of tugs, McGuire and his bandmates had the opportunity to attend the Commodore's congratulatory luncheon.

After graduating from SUNY Maritime College and becoming a licensed engineer, McGuire worked aboard several other ships before landing one of the coveted assignments as a Watch Stander in the aft engine room for the Big U's voyage in April 1967, and another voyage in September of the same year. In October 1967, McGuire served as a Licensed Junior Day Maintenance Engineer.

Voyage 359 - in January 1968 - would include his most memorable crossing. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship encountered a strong storm and heavy waves that McGuire estimates were as much as 135-feet high. In fact, the waves were so high that at one point, McGuire recalled, water from a rogue wave splashed through the top of the forward funnel and down inside the engine room. McGuire shared with the Conservancy that he can still recall the sound of dishes crashing to the ground from the racks down the hall from his room. McGuire also noted that the winds - upwards of 80 knots - and waves were so strong you could see the ship twisting when you look down the long passageways.

His return to the ship, now more than fifty years later, was bittersweet for McGuire. The trip was a Christmas present from his four children, and he was joined during the tour by his son, James, who also works in the maritime industry as a Port Captain with The Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company.

Reflecting on the day, McGuire told the Conservancy, "It's sad to see her general condition but coming aboard brought back so many memories. It was very exciting. A great day."
CAPTAIN JONATHAN ATKIN'S PHOTOGRAPH
"DESMOND RICHARDSON/SS UNITED STATES" TAKES 3RD PLACE AT THE AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTISTS EXHIBITION

The Hero Project Features Historic Ships and Dancers
Captain Jonathan Atkin's passion for both the maritime world and the world of dance is almost tangible when you examine his photographs that have been captured for "THE HERO PROJECT." Atkin, who goes by the moniker "Ship Shooter," describes the project as "a poem, a ballad, a celebration of historic ships through the energy of dance and dancer's perceptions..."

Recently, one of Captain Atkin's photos, featuring international dance performer Dr. Desmond Richardson in front of one of the SS United States' historic propellers, was included in the American Photographic Artists exhibition held at the Soho Photo Gallery in New York where renowned curator Elizabeth Avedon selected “Desmond Richardson/SS United States” for 3rd place in the single photograph category.

Reflecting on the photos taken aboard America's Flagship (archival signed edition prints available for purchase) and his work with Dr. Richardson, Captain Atkin recently told the Conservancy, "The project fuses my former professional dance photography expertise with my current career as an aerial photographer of ocean going ships. Desmond and I discussed the project thoroughly. I asked him to consider the mighty SS United States as a dance partner. To feel the vessel organically and magically and perform a photo duet with this iconic ship. He nailed it. Full stop. For good reason, critics have called him a once in a century dance artist."

Reflecting on his time aboard the SS United States, Dr. Richardson said, "There were many moments I felt the sheer power of the vessel which made me react in my physical presence thus captured so elegantly by you [Captain Atkin] on film...It will always hold a beautiful moment in my mind and I’m grateful to have had the moment and opportunity for us to help bring another focus to the SS United States."

On behalf of the Conservancy and supporters of America's Flagship around the world, we congratulate Captain Atkin on his recognition and send our continued thanks for his assistance in sharing the SS United States' story.

MORE FROM THE SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCY
The Conservancy would like to thank all of our generous supporters from across the nation and around the world who have donated to help save America’s Flagship as part of our 2022 annual appeal. 

This year we are excited to offer special 70th Anniversary Membership certificates that can be downloaded and customized. A Conservancy membership makes a great gift this holiday season and it helps save America's Flagship.

Because of your generosity, people around the world know America’s Flagship endures as a powerful symbol of the nation’s strength, resiliency, and our potential to unify in the face of adversity.

This coming year will present challenges that require us to redouble our efforts. Please donate today and recommit to being a part of her story. All donors at $25 and above will receive a dazzling die-cut SS United States decal (pictured above).

THE BIG U CONTINUES TO INSPIRE...

"She was an icon in American culture, appearing in movies, magazines, and was a household name; everybody knew and was proud of the “Big U.” The SS United States still has many forgotten stories to tell, and that’s why she desperately needs to be saved." - Julian Sukel