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Hampton RoadsThursday, November 12

The Newport News-built SS United States goes down off Florida to become the world's largest artificial reef

The Today in Norfolk teamFrom today’s edition · 1 min read · 2 sources

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The ocean liner, built at Newport News Shipbuilding, was being sunk Wednesday off Destin-Fort Walton Beach. As it went down, Christopher Newport University rang the ship's bell in its bell tower. "It set speed records — it was really, in a lot of ways, America's flagship," said Dr. Sean Heuvel, CNU's director of institutional history.

The SS United States will rest in 180 feet of water

Source: WAVY.com

View as table
Value
Water depth180 ft
Top deck below surface (roughly)60 ft

Dr. Sarah Forbes, a Newport News physician and philanthropist, bought the bell at auction and gave it to CNU. Students ring it when they start school and when they graduate.

  • Beginner scuba divers can reach the top deck
  • CNU's bell tower was built in 2014
  • The Spirit of Norfolk was sunk in the same Gulf region

Pieces of the SS United States stay in Newport News

PieceWhere it is
Ship's bellCNU bell tower
PropellerThe Mariners' Museum and Park
JukeboxThe Mariners' Museum and Park
Other itemsIn storage

Sources: WAVY.com, News 3 WTKR Norfolk

Sources: WAVY.com, News 3 WTKR Norfolk

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SportsOld Dominion holds off Norfolk State 71-60 in the Battle of NorfolkOld Dominion beat its crosstown rival 71-60 Wednesday night at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall, in front of more than 4,000 fans. Norfolk State trailed by 20 points late in the second half and kept charging, but the rally fell short. The Monarchs outrebounded the Spartans 33-11.Today’s editionRead

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