THANK YOU FOR LOVING AMERICA'S FLAGSHIP
Roses are red, violets are blue
The world's best Valentine is the Big U!

Happy Valentine's Day from the SS United States Conservancy.

(Image created by New York Chapter Chair Paul Stipkovich)
LOOKING BACK ON A LEGEND:
UNITED STATES LINES COMMODORE LEROY ALEXANDERSON,

Alexanderson Served as Final Master of America's Flagship
In February 5, 1964, Commodore John Anderson (pictured right), the longest-serving master of the SS United States, retired, and Captain Leroy J. Alexanderson (pictured center), was named the commanding officer of America's Flagship. Two years later, Alexanderson was officially awarded the Commodore's title and flag by United States Lines President William B.Rand.

After graduating from the New York Merchant Marine Academy at Fort Schuyler in 1930, Alexanderson was commissioned in both the Naval Reserve and the Maritime Service. He joined United States Lines in 1934.

As the United States’s entry into World War II approached, Alexanderson volunteered for destroyer escort duty. His first command, the attack transport Gage, landed Marine elements on Okinawa and saw heavy action. After the war, Alexanderson returned to United States Lines and served on various ships before becoming an executive officer and, in 1955, Captain of the SS America. He would go on to command the SS United States through its final voyage.

Upon his passing in February 2004, Commodore Alexanderson was buried in Parklawn Memorial Park in Hampton, Virginia. During the "Heritage Weekend" hosted by the Hampton Roads Chapter last year, Conservancy members gathered to pay their respects to the Commodore at his gravesite.

AMAZON ENDS CHARITABLE GIVING THROUGH SMILE PURCHASES
 
Thank You To Everyone Who Has Donated Through the Program
For more than five years, Flagship enthusiasts have generously contributed to the Big U through "Amazon Smile," the online retail giant's charitable giving program that donated .5% of each purchase to charities like ours. Unfortunately, Amazon recently announced that it is ending its "Smile" program as part of broader cost-cutting initiatives.
 
As a result of this change, you may notice that some of the book listed in our online shop, such as "A Man and His Ship" by Advisory Council member Steve Ujifusa (pictured here), are now linked through Bookshop.org. If you're not familiar, every purchase made on Bookshop.org supports independent local bookstores across the country. While your purchase will no longer directly support the Conservancy, we felt this change was the best way to make an impact while continuing to offer a wide selection of books to our supporters.
 
If you're looking for a way to escape from the winter doldrums, a wide selection of books and movies can be found on SSUSC.org.
MORE FROM THE SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCY
Brenda Keefe's only experience with a boat of any kind was in a small rowboat fishing with her uncle. That was, until she went to meet her sister, Queenie, who was returning from Europe aboard the SS United States.

That encounter with the Big U, at berth in New York City, lit the flame on a lifetime of passion and enjoyment for boating. Though her sister has since passed on, Brenda keeps Queenie's stateroom key - C38 - as a memento to her sister and their shared passion for being on the water.

Later this year we'll be unveiling our next digital exhibition, “Food Tastes Better at Sea: Dining Aboard the SS United States,” which will include its own unique new merchandise. However, you can still order great items like this 17 oz. stainless steal water bottle that showcases some of the trailblazing women that were featured in our "Transatlantic Trailblazers" exhibition.

Designed to keep drinks hot or cold for hours, it features an odor- and leak-proof cap. Throw it in your car's cup holder on your way to work, take it with you on hikes, or toss it in your bag and show your passion for the SS United States wherever you go.

THE BIG U CONTINUES TO INSPIRE...

"It was an honor and a lifetime memory to sail on her in 1956. Even though I was only seven years old, I knew it was a very special experience." - Mike Butler, SS United States supporter