Cronkite lends name to effort to save SS United States

Legendary broadcaster Walter Cronkite is supporting the effort to preserve the SS United States, the Coldwar-era ocean liner that has languished at a South Philadelphia dock for more than a decade.

Cronkite this week accepted the post of honorary chairman of the SS United States Conservancy, a national group committed to preserving the vessel, a spokesman for the veteran newsman said yesterday.

The 990-foot ship was put up for sale in January by its current owner, Norwegian Cruise Lines, for an estimated $20 million. Since then, enthusiasts have fretted that the iconic ocean liner would be sold for scrap.

Last week, NCL told the Conservancy the ship would not be sold to scrappers or any non-U.S. entity, said Conservancy spokesman Dan McSweeney.

"We're not out of the woods yet, though this recent statement is cause for cautious optimism," McSweeney said. "We need to continue to raise awareness and build momentum in support of the effort to save this great national treasure."