On Friday, May 11th, aboard the inaugural SS United States Legacy Cruise to Bermuda, the SS United States Conservancy was excited to award former crew member and founding Conservancy board member Joseph Rota the organization's prestigious honor, the Blue Riband Award. Rota received the medal in recognition of a lifetime of service to America's Flagship — Joe held the positions of First Class elevator operator, bellboy, waiter, and photographer aboard the SS United States duri

Joe Rota held the positions of First Class Elevator Operator, Bellboy, Waiter, and Photographer aboard the SS United States from 1955-1959 and 1964-1965. Here he recounts a surprising story from his time on the ship. Image courtesy of Joe Rota Joe recalls: "I was up in the radio room next to the bridge and there must have been a dozen officers milling around, which was very unusual, and they all had their binoculars and were pointing out the starboard window. I stepped out an

The Conservancy is sad to share that Bill Krudener, the SS United States' youngest bell captain who made more than 500 transatlantic crossings over the course of his career, has passed away at age 88. Bill and his family attended a number of Conservancy events and was beloved by all. Conservancy board member and former crew member Joe Rota shares this tribute to his former crewmate: Bill Krudener was the bell captain of the Big U. In that job, he handled all 55 bellboys on bo