Dick Vermeil Sets Up Drive to Save SS United States in New PSA

Philadelphia, PA, May 31, 2012—He knows what it’s like to lead a team to victory. Now former NFL coach and broadcaster Dick Vermeil is lending a hand to America’s flagship, the SS United States in a new public service campaign. Vermeil stars in a new public service announcement which will be distributed to television stations in connection with the 60th anniversary of the launch of the world’s fastest ocean liner will help raise awareness about the ship’s history and drive interest in the efforts to restore and repurpose her.

Built to be both luxury superliner and Cold War weapon, America’s flagship, the SS United States was the fastest and safest ocean liner ever built. Larger than the Titanic and faster than the Queen Mary, the United States is one of the last remaining of the great 20th century ocean liners and a symbol of American post-war innovation. Berthed in Philadelphia for more than 15 years awaiting revitalization, the ship still holds the transatlantic speed record.

“This ship symbolizes the very best of America. The SS United States is a true American champion and she deserves our help,” states Vermeil who makes a personal appeal to save the ship in the PSA. “It is an honor to be part of this noble cause and so that this great American achievement can be restored and celebrated for generations to come.”

“We are so grateful to Coach Vermeil for supporting our efforts to save the United States,” says Susan Gibbs, Executive Director of the SS United States Conservancy. “He has a genuine passion for this patriotic cause. We hope that his endorsement of our efforts to save the United States will inspire and galvanize others throughout led a hand to our efforts to restore and repurpose this extraordinary ship.” The Conservancy hopes to air the public service announcement initially in the Philadelphia, New York and St Louis markets.