2001 SS America Project

The GLSPS successfully completed the emergency repair to some major damage on the SS America.  The damage occurred some time between September 2000 and July 1, 2001.  Our best guess is that it was caused by anchor damage from a large boat.  An area of the Cabin Deck (ceiling to the Social Salon) approximately 10 feet by 8 feet was torn off and slid toward the center of the ship.  Other loose pieces of the already collapsed boat deck were also moved.  The park decided to approve this emergency repair.   The project was completed September 8-10, a Saturday through Monday, using 13 volunteers on three boats the Heyboy, RLT Diver, and Marge Talk.


Thanks to all of the participants who made this one of our more successful America Projects, and a special thanks to Ralph Thorne who runs the RLT Diver for stepping up at the last moment to supply a much needed boat and equipment to help with the project.

In 1998 the deck above the Social Salon was intact and in very good condition.	The damaged deck above the Social Salon in 2001 from a vantage point just aft of the vantage point of photo on the left.
A view of the damage from the starboard side of the ship.	RLT Diver III was used to stage the divers while Heyboy was used for the compressor, generator and cooking.
Divers lifted the loose piece of deck using straps so no one needed to be under the decking.  The lifting was coordinated with U/W communications	The deck piece almost in place.  Above the divers you can see the post and cables added in a previous project to stabilize the shifting boat deck.
Once the deck was sitting on the support beams it was moved fore and aft to align it perfectly with the old marks from the support beams.	Once in place, it was re-fastened and gaps were filled with the loose pieces of tongue and groove decking.  If it sounds like assembling a puzzle underwater, you get the picture.
Divers Rich Dreher and Stan Braun return from a successful dive while Tom puts forth his best side.	Our GLSPS Safety Guidelines require a diver tender on the surface at all times.  Tom Brueshaber and Todd Olson wear the green hats that identify them as the tender on duty.
Joe Schambers and Tom Brueshaber wait for the divers to return.	Professional videographer Al Brown from Chicago volunteers his time to document the GLSPS America Project.
Break time for Bob Nelson and Ron Johnson.	Al Brown and Phil Kerber suit up while Ralph Thoren and Ken Knutson take time for a cigar and a chat.

Tasks Completed to Repair and Stabilize the Damaged Cabin Deck that formed the Ceiling to the Starboard Forward Corner of the Social Salon

• Reposition the large piece of the roof of Social Salon that was likely torn off by an anchor.
• Fill in the additional the loose deck pieces around the damaged area that we can figure out the location for.
• Stabilize wall between Social Salon and Engineers Quarters that supports the deck
• Measure Monitor Points & re-establish new ones
• Shore up post, & cables that were also damaged (previously done stabilization)
• Inspect & replace pipe hangers that were on the damaged deck on the side of Social Salon.