S.O.S - SS UNITED STATES, Rescuing a National Landmark!
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Who We Are:
We are a pending non-profit organization composed of U.S. Veterans, Merchant Mariners, and American Heritage Preservationists, united in our mission to safeguard our nation’s most sacred maritime institutions, monuments, and esteemed history. At the SS United States Preservation Foundation, we believe future generations should have the opportunity to experience our nation’s most storied histories through physical encounters—not just through the pages of a book.
Our Mission:
Our mission is to rescue the U.S. Merchant Marine Flagship SS United States, currently under siege and facing imminent danger of wrongful execution. She is the last and largest American-built ocean liner left in existence and remains the Blue Riband record holder for 73 years and counting. Her remarkable career, cut short after just 17 years due to the rise of jet air travel, symbolized a nation at the height of its prosperity in the post-WWII era.
We aim to raise awareness of her historic significance, contributions to American shipbuilding safety and construction standards, and her title as our nation’s greatest maritime and technological achievement. Her legacy is enshrined in the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as a “National Historic Landmark of Engineering” (reference #99000609).
Her construction materials—Zinc Chromate paint, over 2,000 long tons of aluminum, PCBs, and remaining asbestos—pose significant threats to marine ecosystems. If scuttled, these toxins would infiltrate Gulf waters, killing fish, coral reefs, and other wildlife via dissimilar metal corrosion and aluminum toxicity, with long-term effects felt in human populations through contaminated marine life.
The Issue:
Okaloosa County, FL, recently purchased our First Lady of the Seas with plans to scuttle her in the Gulf of America in 2026, coinciding with our nation’s 250th Name Day. This reckless plan dishonors the U.S. Merchant Marine, our nation’s oldest maritime institution and “Fourth Arm of Defense” in times of conflict.
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point, NY, is the only federal academy to have lost midshipmen in combat before graduation—142 brave souls. It is also the only academy authorized to carry a battle standard. Scuttling the SS United States disregards this legacy and her historical significance, while posing severe risks to Gulf waters, marine life, and coral reef development.
Solution:
Should Okaloosa County, FL embrace our plan, they can prevent the destruction of this National Historic Landmark, avert an environmental disaster, and contribute to the health and safety of future generations. We propose returning the First Lady of the Seas to the American people and having President Trump and Congress declare her a National Monument, granting her federal protections. This declaration would open avenues to repurpose the ship as part of a Veteran Services & America First Initiative, establishing trade schools, businesses, and a National Maritime Museum to showcase America’s maritime achievements.
Through collaboration with President Trump, Okaloosa County, FL, and MARAD, a sale or trade of Fast Sealift Ships in exchange for the SS United States could be facilitated. These steel-hulled ships are better suited as artificial reefs and diving destinations, providing a safer and more cost-effective solution while preserving the SS United States as a symbol of American ingenuity.
Should Okaloosa proceed without reconsideration, they will be remembered as the executioners of America’s Greatest Ship. Any county that falsely claims to “pay homage to our American Flagship” while sinking her operates under a False Flag.
Take Action:
Sign our petition to save the SS United States!
Write to the White House and Congress to declare her a National Monument!
Organizer
SS United States Preservation Foundation
Organizer
North Palm Beach, FL