As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we reflect on the legacy of SS America. Built at Newport News Shipbuilding and launched in 1939, America is noted as one of the most iconic and largest ocean liners ever built. Christened by first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, the ship was said at the time to represent ambition, innovation and skill.

Constructed as a luxury passenger liner, America became part of the nation’s wartime history during World War II when it returned to NNS for conversion into USS West Point. The ship was used to as a troop transport, carrying American troops in support of the war effort. After the war, the ship returned to passenger service.