United States Docks At Southampton -- Aerial View of the new Blue Riband Holder, United States, as she nears the ocean terminal, Southampton, *****. To the tunes of the "star-spangled banner" and "god save the queen", the 53,000-ton American liner, United States, docked an Southampton at 6 p.m. today. dead on time. After her record-breaking trip across the Atlantic, the ship was welcomed with wild enthusiasm by 20,000 people. It was the biggest reception since the maiden voyage of the queen Mary in 1936. Sirens blared, flags waved, rockets soared up in the air, and coloured streamers shot from shore to ship. July 8, 1952. (Photo by Paul Popper Ltd.).