We are a non-profit consisting of U.S. Veterans, Merchant Mariners, and American Heritage Preservationists whose Mission is to Rescue our First Lady of the Seas

Joined February 2025
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We have received an alarming number of messages from supporters who experienced confusion or difficulty participating in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ public notice and comment process for the SS United States. Many people have also reported that public statements from the County and the pro‑reefing community created additional confusion about the status of the project and how Section 106 actually works. To ensure the administrative record accurately reflects the public’s experience, we are documenting these issues. If you had trouble locating the Corps’ notice, opening it, understanding the comment window, or submitting comments, please email your experience and questions to: cco@ssuspreservationfoundation.com We are also documented your recent concerns: • "you were unsure whether comments were being accepted" • "you felt the timeframe was unclear or too short" • "you believed the project was already approved based on public statements" • "references to LAARS B, reefing announcements, or pro‑reefing messaging affected your understanding" • "you felt unable to comment until now" • "you were confused about how Section 106 works" • "you believe a public hearing would have improved your ability to participate" Your statements will be compiled and forwarded to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, so the record reflects the public’s actual experience with notice, clarity, access, and participation in the Section 106 process. As a reminder, the current (15-Day Public Notice Comment Period) expires on March 28, 2026, so be sure to write in so your voice is heard. Please keep your remarks focused on public notice, clarity, access, and your ability to participate. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. - SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc. Federally Recognized Consulting Party for Section 106 Review - Department of the Army Permit, SAJ-1996-03565
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Dear Supporters, Public Comment Period Now Open - SS United States The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has initiated a 15-day public comment period as part of its ongoing federal review of the proposed sinking of the SS United States. This review is being conducted under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, which applies to actions affecting historic properties. The Corps has determined that the vessel remains historically significant and that the proposed action would result in adverse effects. The public comment period is limited to 15 days and will close on March 28, 2026. Public input is now being accepted and will be included in the official record before any final decisions are made. How to submit a comment: 1. Visit: rrs.usace.army.mil/rrs/publi… 2. Under “State,” select Florida (FL) 3. In the search bar, enter: SAJ-1996-03565 4. Click the comment icon next to the notice 5. Complete and submit the form Every submission becomes part of the federal record. The future of the SS United States is now open for public input. As a federally recognized Consulting Party, the SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc. is providing this information to ensure the public has access to and can participate in this process. We remain fully committed to pursuing all available paths to protect and secure a future for the SS United States. Thank you for your continued support to preserve history for future generations. - SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc.
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For Immediate Release SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc Releases Video Comparing County Statements to Submitted Environmental Findings North Palm Beach, FL — February 2026 — The SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc has released a documentary‑style video excerpt from the January 6, 2026, Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners meeting, highlighting the contrast between statements made during the meeting and the environmental findings submitted into the public record. During public comment, Foundation Vice President Steve Perry submitted independent laboratory results from York Analytical Laboratories documenting the presence of Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6) aboard the SS United States. These findings were provided to the County as part of ongoing discussions regarding the vessel’s proposed reefing. The video presents, in sequence: Statements made by County officials regarding available environmental reports The publicly released County memo referencing PCB sampling An email from a county aide describing the documentation in hand The independent laboratory results submitted by the Foundation The County’s response during public comment The purpose of the release is to allow the public to review the statements and materials side‑by‑side, in full context, as they were presented during the meeting. “Florida law guarantees the public the right to speak at local government meetings,” said a Foundation spokesperson. “This video simply documents the exchange as it occurred and provides the public with direct access to the materials referenced.” The Foundation emphasized that all documents shown in the video are public records or publicly released materials. The video contains no editorial commentary; captions are limited to factual labels identifying documents, timestamps, and meeting context. Its structure allows viewers to independently compare what was said with what was found. The full meeting video is available at: myokaloosa.com The Foundation’s excerpted documentary segment can be viewed at: youtu.be/-ShEmVHIBwY Related scientific testimony from Dr. Todd Osborne, PhD, submitted separately for public transparency, can be viewed here: youtu.be/pe5NzpU7_D8?si=eAFX… The SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc remains committed to transparency, public engagement, and the responsible handling of environmental information related to the vessel’s future. Media Contact: SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc info@ssuspreservationfoundation.com ssuspreservationfoundation.c… youtu.be/-ShEmVHIBwY?si=rqp8…

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SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc Releases Expert Testimony and Documentation Regarding Proposed Scuttling of the SS United States in Florida Waters North palm Beach, FL — The SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc. (SSUSPF) has released the full, unedited expert testimony of Dr. Todd Z. Osborne, Professor of Estuarine and Aquatic Biogeochemistry at the University of Florida’s Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and faculty member in the Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department at UF. This testimony was formally submitted as part of an Agenda Item Request for the January 20, 2026, Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meeting. The materials were not placed on the public record during that meeting. To ensure transparency and public access to the scientific information prepared for the County, SSUSPF is releasing the full video testimony, transcript, and timeline of submission. Full Video Testimony: youtu.be/pe5NzpU7_D8?si=Ginr… Expert Findings In his recorded testimony and accompanying scientific documentation, Dr. Osborne outlines significant environmental concerns associated with the proposed scuttling of the SS United States as an artificial reef, including: The presence of an estimated 59,334 lbs of zinc chromate (ZnCrO₄) within the vessel’s original corrosion‑resistant coatings. The classification of hexavalent chromium compounds as CERCLA hazardous substances with a reportable quantity of 10 lbs. Under federal law (CERCLA 40 CFR 302.4), the reportable quantity for chromium(VI) compounds is 10 pounds. The National Response Center hotline for reporting hazardous substance releases is 1‑800‑424‑8802. The potential for long‑term contamination of sediments, bioaccumulation in marine organisms, and risks to seafood safety. The likelihood of substantial remediation costs should contamination occur, including the possibility of federal Superfund involvement. Dr. Osborne emphasized that his analysis was conducted without compensation, out of professional responsibility and concern for Florida’s coastal ecosystems. Timeline of Submission January 6, 2026 — During public comment at the January 6 Okaloosa County Commission meeting, SSUSPF Vice President Steve Perry stated on the public record that SSUSPF would be submitting an Agenda Item Request for the January 20 meeting. January 12, 2026 — SSUSPF sent a formal email to the County requesting the matter be made an Agenda Item for the January 20, 2026, BCC to be held at the Shalimar location. No response has been received to date. January 20, 2026 — The Shalimar Board meeting proceeded without Dr. Osborne’s testimony being placed on the public record. The County’s lack of response to SSUSPF’s Agenda Item Request was again raised publicly by SSUSPF Co‑Founder, Chief Communications Officer, and federally recognized Section 106 consulting party, Carlos Camacho Jr. During his public comment, Mr. Camacho informed the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners of his role in the United States Army Corps of Engineers permit SAJ‑1996‑03565 and the ongoing Section 106 Review of the SS United States. He then delivered his public comment for the record. The video and minutes documenting this exchange are publicly available on the County’s website and YouTube page, as are all other meetings in which SSUSPF has provided public comment. To maintain transparency, SSUSPF is releasing all materials publicly. Commitment to Transparency SSUSPF remains committed to ensuring that all scientific, environmental, and procedural information related to the proposed deployment of the SS United States is accessible to the public, regulatory agencies, and elected officials. “Our goal is to ensure that decisions affecting Florida’s coastal waters are informed by complete, accurate, and scientifically grounded information,” the Foundation stated. “We welcome questions from all parties and will continue to provide transparent, factual updates.” About the SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc. The SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible stewardship, preservation, and public understanding of the SS United States — safeguarding both her environmental footprint and her historical legacy. The Foundation serves as a federally recognized consulting party in the ongoing Section 106 Review of the SS United States and works to ensure that decisions affecting the vessel and Florida’s coastal waters are informed by complete, accurate, and scientifically grounded information. For more information, Email: info@ssuspreservationfoundation.com
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Tonight, as America enters her 250th year, we remember the generations who carried this nation forward when the odds were long and the future was unclear. They built a country through courage, sacrifice, and a belief that history would judge their actions worthy of the moment. Their spirit is the inheritance we carry into this anniversary. The SS United States, our First Lady of the seas, stands as a reminder of what America can achieve when its people refuse to let their legacy fade. She embodies the strength, innovation, and resolve that defined our rise as a nation. That story deserves defenders. This milestone calls us to rise with the same conviction. We stand against the tides that would erase our heritage. We stand for the truth that America’s story is preserved by those who choose to act when it matters most. America’s legacy is not a relic. It is a responsibility. We call on Congress and the President to adopt Resolution 649-A, enact the America 250 Maritime Heritage Act, and sign the Great American Comeback Executive Order. Let America 250 be remembered for the legacy we strengthened, not the opportunities we allowed to slip away. And so, we ask a question worthy of this anniversary. How will history write your name in this moment when the legacy of a nation hangs in the balance? Join the fight to protect America’s legacy. Visit our website, add your name to the petition, make a contribution if you’re able, and contact Congress and the White House to demand action. Every voice strengthens the cause. ssuspreservationfoundation.c… #America250 #SSUnitedStates #SaveTheShip #AmericanLegacy #MaritimeHeritage #WeWontGiveUpTheShip #GreatAmericanComeback ❤️✊🇺🇸 @realDonaldTrump @POTUS @VP @JDVance @FLOTUS @WhiteHouse @GovRonDeSantis @RepDonaldsPress @Interior @DeptofWar @USDOT @DOTMARAD
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Official Public Statement Regarding the SS United States Reefing Project and Regulatory Compliance My fellow patriots and preservationist, Many of you have been asking about the recent letter issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on October 3, 2025. We welcome that interest—and we believe the public deserves clarity. The letter states plainly: “Best Management Practices are to be followed additionally, not solely.” This sentence is not just a formality—it is a direct clarification that best practices alone do not constitute full compliance. State and federal regulations still apply, including those we have formally outlined and submitted to the county. These are not opinions—they are enforceable legal standards under Department of the Army permit SAJ-1996-03565, which governs the establishment and use of three Large Area Artificial Reef Sites (LAARS) in the Gulf of America. While we recognize the county’s stated intentions, the record shows that key regulatory obligations remain unaddressed. The removal of the funnels while the Section 106 review was still active and while an emergency injunction was filed raises serious compliance concerns. Any further action taken without full adherence to applicable law will be addressed through the appropriate legal channels and upheld in a court of law. This is not just a matter of historic preservation—it is a matter of public health and safety. The materials used, the timing of removal, and the lack of full environmental review carry implications for surrounding communities and ecosystems. Transparency and compliance are essential to protect lives, livelihoods, and legacy. Federal entities including the White House are now reviewing this matter. What once flew under the radar is now being seen, documented, and evaluated. Public transparency is not optional—it is a legal and ethical obligation. To those who continue to spread misinformation despite the facts: we do not speak to be seen—we speak to be heard. Our mission is rooted in integrity, direct communication with government officials, and a commitment to truth. Attempts to discredit our work or affiliations do not change the facts, nor do they erase the consequences of what’s unfolding. This is not about opposition—it is about accountability. The push to reef this historic vessel without full compliance carries serious repercussions—not just for the Gulf, but for public trust, environmental safety, and historic preservation. We remain committed to walking this path with clarity, evidence, and conviction. And this is only a fraction of the work happening behind the scenes. We are working tirelessly—with boots on the ground—to ensure full compliance is met, public safety is protected, and good stewardship of our national heritage is upheld throughout this project. Justice will have its day in court. And we, the people, will prevail. Throughout history, many historic properties that still stand today were saved in the eleventh hour—because voices like ours refused to be silenced. Because people like you stood up, spoke boldly, and defended what mattered. Let history remember that we stood watch. That we spoke truth. That we did not back down when legacy, law, and lives were on the line. To the commissioners: We welcome a more formal engagement to discuss this matter. A sit-down is encouraged—so that three-minute formats can give way to open dialogue, where good stewardship and well-placed intentions can truly serve the public and honor our shared heritage as we approach America’s 250th. As one of our board members recently reminded us, quoting President John F. Kennedy’s moon landing speech: “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” Let us choose the hard path—not because it is convenient, but because it is right. Because it is what this country, and this mighty vessel, America's Unsung Hero deserves. And now, we ask you to look inward. When history calls to speak your story, what will it say about how you stood in this moment? Did we act with courage, despite the adversity? Or did we stand silent on the sidelines and watch history—and our children’s inheritance—slip quietly beneath the waves? This is our hour. Not to retreat. Not to waver. But to rise. To speak boldly. To stand firmly. To protect what is sacred and preserve what is ours. Let it be said that when the tide came in, we did not run. We anchored ourselves in truth. We fought for legacy. And we lit a fire that could not be extinguished. Most Respectfully, Carlos Camacho Jr Co-Founder & CCO SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc.
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We Don’t Just Speak for Her — We’re Legally Authorized to. In light of recent commentary surrounding the SS United States, we the SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc. issue this official statement to clarify who holds legal authority to speak on matters related to her reefing, preservation, and federal review. The SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc. is a federally recognized nonprofit, listed with the IRS and governed by documented fiduciary authority. Our board members are fiduciaries — legally and ethically responsible for representing the Foundation’s mission, finances, and public statements. This fiduciary authority is not symbolic. It is binding. It is what gives us standing to engage federal agencies, submit formal correspondence, and speak publicly on matters affecting the SS United States. Fiduciary authority is not granted by proximity, passion, or personal title. It is earned through documented governance, IRS recognition, and legal accountability. Chapter-level volunteers — including chapter chairs — are not listed in governance filings, do not carry fiduciary responsibility, and are not recognized by law or federal agencies as consulting parties in Section 106 review. That distinction matters — and it is not negotiable. Recent commentary has misrepresented who holds national leadership within the SS United States Conservancy, creating confusion about who is authorized to speak on her behalf in federal and preservation matters. To clarify, we must distinguish between informal roles and those recognized by law. Just as our Foundation’s fiduciary authority is grounded in documented governance, the same standard applies to the SS United States Conservancy. When referencing “national leadership,” we are referring specifically to the Conservancy’s executive officers and board of directors — those individuals listed in official governance filings who bear legal and fiduciary responsibility for the organization. These are the only individuals authorized to speak on behalf of the Conservancy in federal, legal, or preservation matters. Chapter-level volunteers, regardless of title or tenure, are not recognized by federal agencies as consulting parties and do not possess the legal authority to represent the Conservancy in official proceedings. This was formally acknowledged by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in October 2025. In direct correspondence, the Corps confirmed its intention to invite our Foundation as a consulting party under 36 CFR § 800.2(c)(5), citing our demonstrated interest and formal request submitted in June 2025. This recognition is procedural, legal, and indisputable. Statements made by individuals who do not hold fiduciary authority or legal standing in relation to the SS United States are expressions of personal opinion — not official representation. These individuals are not listed in governance filings, are not recognized by federal agencies as consulting parties, and do not bear legal or ethical responsibility for her preservation. While anyone may speak publicly, their commentary should not be taken seriously in official matters. Authority is not self-declared — it is documented, accountable, and earned through lawful stewardship. The SS United States deserves more than speculation. She deserves to be spoken for by those entrusted to protect her. We are aware that recent commentary has included false and disparaging remarks directed at members of our Foundation and its supporters. While we will not engage in personal disputes, we must note that under Florida law, defamation includes false statements made with negligence or actual malice that cause reputational harm. Volunteer immunity does not apply in cases of willful misconduct or reckless disregard for the rights of others. Should defamatory or misleading commentary persist, we reserve the right to pursue appropriate remedies to protect our members and our mission. The SS United States deserves truth, not titles. She deserves stewardship, not spectacle. And she deserves to be spoken for by those who are legally authorized to do so. We thank our supporters for standing with us in unity and purpose as we continue to defend the last American-built, owned, operated, and U.S. flagged ocean liner in our nation’s history — SS United States, symbolic flagship of the United States Merchant Marine. — SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc.
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For Immediate Release: The SS United States is federally listed. Toxic materials are confirmed aboard. A government shutdown halts oversight, blocks preservation grants, and silences the agencies meant to protect her. Our Foundation is calling on Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution before America’s heritage is lost. This is not a partisan issue — it’s a patriotic imperative. Read our official statement below. #SaveTheSSUnitedStates #America250 #PreserveHistory #Noshutdown #historicpreservation #nationalregisterofhistoricplaces #toxicship #FederalOversight #StewardshipMatters @WhiteHouse @America250 @NatlParkService @EPA @Interior @NOAA @USACEHQ
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We, the SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc., submit this statement in full and unwavering opposition to the ongoing government shutdown. This shutdown isn’t a pause — it’s a threat. It endangers public safety, national heritage, and environmental integrity. Our mission to protect the last U.S.-built, owned, operated, and flagged ocean liner—a nationally registered historic property and enduring symbol of American pride—has been abruptly halted, and right on the doorstep of America 250. Certified lab results documenting hazardous materials, including hexavalent chromium, and maritime safety violations now sit unanswered. Federal oversight is blocked. Key agencies have ceased operations. The Army Corps cannot advance its historic review. The EPA cannot respond to toxic threats. NOAA cannot assess maritime risks. America 250 planners are unreachable. Oversight has stopped. Over 750,000 federal workers have now been furloughed — including those in the very agencies tasked with protecting our environment, heritage, and public health. Without federal oversight—which is now blocked—local entities are afforded the opportunity to introduce avoidable, man-made crises that would otherwise be exposed and mitigated by the very agencies now locked out. Our case is not isolated. It is one of millions now stalled, silenced, or endangered by the absence of federal review. From environmental protection to historic preservation, from public health to national planning—critical missions across the country are hitting roadblocks that threaten long-term harm. Congress must end this assault and return to stewardship — or risk millions of battles like ours falling through the cracks without review or consideration. This statement is submitted for public record. We speak not just for one ship — but for every mission now silenced. @WhiteHouse @POTUS @America250 @EPA @USACEHQ @SavingPlaces @Interior @NOAA @PublicCitizen @NatlParkService @Reuters #GovernmentShutdown #America250 #PreserveTheSSUnitedStates #PublicHealth #environmentalsustainability #AccountabilityMatters
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This shutdown is not a delay—it is a danger. It threatens our history, our health, and our honor. The SS United States is the last U.S.-built, owned, operated, and flagged ocean liner still standing—a nationally registered historic property and symbol of American pride. Her fate now hangs in the balance because the federal agencies responsible for protecting her have gone dark. We’ve submitted certified lab results and environmental warnings to federal authorities—documenting hazardous materials including hexavalent chromium (Cr6), maritime safety violations, and the urgent need for oversight. But just as help was within reach, the shutdown halted everything. The Army Corps of Engineers cannot advance its historic review. The EPA cannot respond to toxic threats. NOAA cannot assess maritime risks. America 250 planners are unreachable. Thousands of advocates have been silenced. Contaminated food may reach American tables if this plan is allowed to proceed. The SS United States has not yet been sunk—but without federal oversight, unchecked toxic materials not meant to be submerged beneath the waves could enter the marine ecosystem, affecting fisheries, food chains, and coastal communities. This is not just a preservation crisis. It is a public health emergency in the making. This shutdown has: – Frozen environmental and preservation efforts – Delayed ceremonial inclusion – Silenced thousands of advocates and petitioners We are not just losing time—we are losing history. And if this shutdown continues, we will lose her. As Jacqueline Kennedy once asked: “Is it not cruel to let our city die by degrees, stripped of all her proud monuments, until there will be nothing left of all her history and beauty to inspire our children?” That truth echoes louder than ever today. The SS United States is more than steel and rivets—she is a living monument to American ingenuity, sacrifice, and pride. Her legacy belongs to every child who deserves to understand where we’ve been, so they can shape where we’re going. The government must return to Washington and get back to work. Federal oversight must be carried out before irreversible harm is done. This egregious act must be halted. Federal stewardship is required. Accountability is essential. This matter demands immediate review. @WhiteHouse @POTUS @EPA @USACEHQ @NOAA @America250 @congressdotgov #governmentshutdown2025 #shutdown2025 #America250 #PublicHealth #enviromental
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instagram.com/reel/DN_CJDFCh… ANNOUNCEMENT We proudly support this powerful video by Beyond Florida, which documents the historical loss of the SS United States and the urgent environmental threat posed by her proposed reefing in the Gulf of America. This ship is not just steel—it’s a living symbol of American innovation and maritime legacy. The video highlights our foundation’s ongoing research and preservation efforts to keep her above water and out of ecological harm’s way. Reefing the SS United States would not only erase history—it would release toxic materials into one of America’s most fragile marine ecosystems. Watch. Share. Take a stand. Let’s protect our heritage and our waters—before it’s too late. #BeyondFlorida #SSUnitedStatesPreservationFoundation #SaveSSUnitedStates #America250MaritimeHeritageAct #America250 #PreserveHistory #MaritimeLegacy #EnvironmentalJustice #StopTheReefing #ProtectOurWaters #AmericanIcon #ReefingRisks @POTUS @FLOTUS @SecDuffy @SecretaryBurgum @SecRubio @EPA @USDOI @NatlParkService @fema @usachp @NOAA @USFWS @WhiteHouse @EnvDefenseFund @NRDC @Earthjustice @CenterForBioDiv @smithsonian @America250 @SavingPlaces @sidrosenberg19 @JudgeJeanine @FoxNews @CNN @NEWSMAX @CBSNews @nytimes @washingtonpost @NBCNews @ABC @dbongino @charliekirk11 @SebGorka @JackPosobiec @IngrahamAngle @Bannons_WarRoom @TuckerCarlson
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instagram.com/reel/DN_CJDFCh… Above the Waves: A Nation’s Choice For seventy-five years, the SS United States has stood as a silent sentinel of American greatness—unmoving, unyielding, and above all, afloat. She is not just steel and rivets. She is memory. She is sacrifice. She is the embodiment of a nation that once dared to dream faster, reach farther, and stand taller. But today, she faces a fate unworthy of her legacy. The vessel is coated—inside and out—with zinc chromate, a compound of hexavalent chromium, one of the most toxic and carcinogenic substances known to science. Alongside it lies lead-based paint, a silent killer that bioaccumulates in marine life, poisons fragile ecosystems, and threatens endangered species. These materials have remained stable above water, inert and contained—just as they have for three-quarters of a century. But if submerged, they will activate like a battery—leaching toxins into the Gulf, electrifying a chain reaction of ecological collapse. This is not preservation. It is pollution. It is a violation of the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act. It is a betrayal of our duty to protect what is sacred—our waters, our wildlife, and our shared history. And yet, despite recent actions by local authorities to erase her from the National Register of Historic Places—Reference No. 99000609—it is not too late. We can still reverse course. We can still choose honor over haste, legacy over landfill. The America 250 Maritime Heritage Act is that choice. It is the alternative that treats and monitors these toxins responsibly, above water, where they pose no harm. It transforms the SS United States into the National Center of Maritime Excellence—a living monument that serves veterans, educates youth, and protects the environment. It is not just a plan. It is a promise. We call on all Americans—coastal and inland, young and old—to rise. To raise your voices. To reject the tyranny of erasure and the lure of short-term gain. To prevent the Gulf of America from suffering the worst environmental disaster since the BP spill. This is all preventable. But it begins with each of us. One voice becomes many. And many voices become change. As our 250th anniversary approaches, let us remember the courage of our Founders—who, with ink and conviction, defied the powers of their day and gave birth to a nation. Let us now strike ink to parchment once more. Let us mark our place in history as those who stood firm against the tide of destruction and fought for a legacy worthy of our children. She is still afloat. She is still America. And she belongs above the waves. To learn more about the America 250 Maritime Heritage Act, sign the petition, and donate to protect our maritime legacy, visit: ssuspreservationfoundation.c….
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Above the Waves: A Nation’s Choice For seventy-five years, the SS United States has stood as a silent sentinel of American greatness—unmoving, unyielding, and above all, afloat. She is not just steel and rivets. She is memory. She is sacrifice. She is the embodiment of a nation that once dared to dream faster, reach farther, and stand taller. But today, she faces a fate unworthy of her legacy. The vessel is coated—inside and out—with zinc chromate, a compound of hexavalent chromium, one of the most toxic and carcinogenic substances known to science. Alongside it lies lead-based paint, a silent killer that bioaccumulates in marine life, poisons fragile ecosystems, and threatens endangered species. These materials have remained stable above water, inert and contained—just as they have for three-quarters of a century. But if submerged, they will activate like a battery—leaching toxins into the Gulf, electrifying a chain reaction of ecological collapse. This is not preservation. It is pollution. It is a violation of the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act. It is a betrayal of our duty to protect what is sacred—our waters, our wildlife, and our shared history. And yet, despite recent actions by local authorities to erase her from the National Register of Historic Places—Reference No. 99000609—it is not too late. We can still reverse course. We can still choose honor over haste, legacy over landfill. The America 250 Maritime Heritage Act is that choice. It is the alternative that treats and monitors these toxins responsibly, above water, where they pose no harm. It transforms the SS United States into the National Center of Maritime Excellence—a living monument that serves veterans, educates youth, and protects the environment. It is not just a plan. It is a promise. We call on all Americans—coastal and inland, young and old—to rise. To raise your voices. To reject the tyranny of erasure and the lure of short-term gain. To prevent the Gulf of America from suffering the worst environmental disaster since the BP spill. This is all preventable. But it begins with each of us. One voice becomes many. And many voices become change. As our 250th anniversary approaches, let us remember the courage of our Founders—who, with ink and conviction, defied the powers of their day and gave birth to a nation. Let us now strike ink to parchment once more. Let us mark our place in history as those who stood firm against the tide of destruction and fought for a legacy worthy of our children. She is still afloat. She is still America. And she belongs above the waves. To learn more about the America 250 Maritime Heritage Act, sign the petition, and donate to protect our maritime legacy, visit: ssuspreservationfoundation.c…. instagram.com/reel/DN_CJDFCh…
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Is this how we Honor our Heritage during America 250? A Florida County seems to think so! They have their sights set on sinking our U.S. Merchant Marine Flagship & Namesake - SS United States in the Gulf of America to generate Tax Revenue for their County! Let that sink in for a minute, no pun intended! Ok, so let's discuss why this is bad... First, she is a National Registered Historic Property (Ref#99000609) which they deliberately purchased to destroy for monetary gain and meaningless titles! Well, what do you mean you make ask? Simple, they think sinking our Last, Largest, American Built, Owned, Operated, & U.S. Flagged Ocean Liner in existence today will be their ticket to fame! Our First Lady of the Seas was built by WWII Veterans & American Shipbuilders with American Steel and the United effort of all the 48 lower states during a period of great division that saw people from all indifference join hands and build the Greatest Maritime & Technological Achievement the world has ever seen! She was built by the U.S. Navy, Pentagon, U.S. Lines, & the U.S. Maritime Commission under government subsidy and in secret. Her hull design was top secret until the late 70s and was designed to carry 14,000 troops, 10,000 nautical miles without refueling or reprovisions. She smashed the Transatlantic speed record on her Maiden Voyage in both directions of her Atlantic crossing besting England's RMS Queen Mary all the while Americans celebrating our independence on board, it doesn't get much more American than that! Her historical significance goes on beyond what I can say here today, and I encourage you to visit us online to learn more about her history and what you can do to join the movement against her erasure. Despite being under Section 106 Review by the USACE, Jacksonville and in an ongoing lawsuit, the County thought it would be fitting to ignore Federal Law concerning a National Registered Historic Property and Section 106 Review undertaking. Yesterday, they decapitated her forward funnel and removed her radar mast, they intend to take more of her this week without regard of the Section 106 Review or Public Comment. There is a reason we have laws in this Country and nobody is above it. Justice will be served, and Heritage will be restored. As we navigate legal avenues of approach, we ask you to visit our web page, Sign & Share our petition, make your voice heard to your local Representatives, write the President, Congress, and consider Donating to our ongoing Mission to Rescue America's First Lady of the Seas! America 250 was created to Honor our Heritage, Not Destroy it! Its Join the 20,000 Patriots through several online petitions who are Fighting to stop the Tyranny of Erasure! History will record your name in this moment, so ask yourself which side of history will you stand for? ssuspreservationfoundation.c…
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Today, the SS United States—the official flagship of the U.S. Merchant Marine—was deliberately decapitated. Her forward funnel, a six-story monument to American engineering, was severed and lowered onto a barge. Hours later, her radar mast—the vessel’s eyes and voice—was stripped away. This is not preservation. This is desecration. She is not just a ship. She is the last, largest, and fastest American ocean liner ever built, owned, operated, and U.S. flagged. Her life has spanned 30% of our nation’s existence, bearing witness to generations of progress and patriotism. She is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP#99000609) and embodies a national legacy that should be celebrated—not dismantled. Her destruction is not just unlawful—it is un-American. In a calculated move, they announced the demolition mere hours before action—dodging public backlash by design. Her iconic teardrop funnels, painted in red, white, and blue, weren’t just functional—they were a declaration. Whenever she entered port, they proclaimed: The United States is here. Today, they’ve been desecrated—not for the good of the nation, but for the 1% of the diving community, ignoring the voice of a nation calling for her preservation. We celebrate the USCGC Eagle, a German-built war prize, as the pride of the Coast Guard—yet we condemn our own homegrown triumph. The SS United States seized the transatlantic speed record from Britain’s RMS Queen Mary, and that record still stands after 73 years. Her design wasn’t just aerodynamic—it was audacious. And today, her pride was cut down. During America’s 250th yearlong celebration, this act is more than tone-deaf. It is a travesty. Okaloosa County, the SS United States Conservancy, and Coleen Marine have formed a triad of betrayal: Okaloosa County is the executioner—greenlighting this demolition. The Conservancy, charged with her protection, abandoned its duty. And Coleen Marine is the weapon—methodically stripping away her legacy, wire by wire, funnel by funnel. Together, they threaten to reef America’s most iconic passenger vessel—trading national pride for scrap steel and silent seas. But this war on history will not go unanswered. Not with silence. But with the fire and fury of We the People. We call on the federal government to do what is right and just. To rise in this fight beside us. To exemplify the patriotism our forefathers held when they built this republic plank by plank, soul by soul. We must push back against the tyranny of those who carry a false flag—who speak of stewardship while carving up our heritage in secrecy. Our history is not for sale. Our legacy is not negotiable. True patriotism is not a product of ease; it is born in resistance. It is when the odds tower high and the winds of injustice howl that love for country ignites. And today, that fire has begun to rage. If we are to celebrate 250 years as a maritime nation, the erasure of our First Lady of the Seas cannot be an option. She must rise—not sink—as a beacon of the very spirit we honor. We’ve seen darker hours. In 1944, Americans stormed the beaches of Normandy under fire and flag. In 1987, a president dared tyranny to tear down a wall—and the world watched it crumble. So too will this injustice fall. The SS United States will endure. Because the tyranny of erasure cannot withstand the roar of a united people. We are standing at a crossroads. When history asks where you stood—what will the answer be? ssuspreservationfoundation.c…
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The SS United States: A Call to Arms for Our Generation "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." — Ronald Reagan Today, our battleground is not overseas—it’s here, in our own harbors and hearts. The SS United States stands as a towering symbol of American spirit, forged by veterans, fueled by pride, and unmatched in speed. She was built by the hands of patriots, and she deserves to be rescued by patriots. We are not merely signing a petition—we are writing history. Like our forefathers in 1776, we put ink to parchment once more, daring to defy neglect and indifference. If they could challenge an empire and birth a nation, then we can challenge bureaucracy and ignite a movement. This is our declaration, our stand, our time. Great strides have been made—the America 250 Maritime Heritage Act is gaining traction in Washington. Cabinet officials have acknowledged our cause. But legislation alone isn't enough. It takes a chorus of voices, rising from every state in the union, to lift her from the brink. If you believe in honoring veterans... If you believe in preserving history... If you believe America’s legacy should never be allowed to sink beneath the waves... Then join us. Sign the petition: chng.it/bgtyQVSqvC Donate: gofund.me/a1371746 Learn more about our Mission: ssuspreservationfoundation.c… Learn why she is special: youtu.be/7wq30qXmmFU?si=hRRG…
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America 250 Maritime Heritage Act: A Bill Proposal to Rescue Our American Heritage & Honor Our Veterans. The Vision: The America 250 Maritime Heritage Act envisions a transformative rebirth of the SS United States—not merely as a restored vessel, but as a living, breathing monument to American resilience, innovation, and sacrifice. Moored at the heart of Shores of Liberty Park, this legendary ship will serve as the National Center of Maritime Excellence, a Flagship of purpose and pride. Onboard, the ship will house American trade schools, technological and innovation programs, maritime training facilities, and Veteran reintegration initiatives designed to guide our heroes through the most vulnerable chapter of their journey—returning home. These programs will offer job training, placement, and medical support, addressing the critical transition period that too often leads to homelessness and suicide among veterans. The SS United States will stand as a national model, a beacon of hope and healing for those who served. Surrounding her, Shores of Liberty Park will unfold as a sacred space of remembrance and inspiration. Statues and memorials will honor the fallen—past, present, and future—while a Garden of Maritime Heroes will celebrate the courage and legacy of those who shaped our maritime story. Youth-focused exhibits and learning centers will ignite curiosity and cultivate the next generation of shipbuilders, mariners, and innovators. At the heart of the park, a towering 250-foot flagpole will rise, bearing a 48-foot American Flag—a powerful tribute to our nation’s 250-year Maritime Legacy while honoring American Shipbuilders and WWII Veterans from the lower 48 states who gave life to the SS United States. A Call to Action: One year from now, let us look back on this opportunity that we have been given. Let us not stand idle and watch the legacy of a generation past be needlessly sank beneath the waves for the foolish pursuit of meaningless titles and monetary gains. Let us instead reflect on the many contributions that were forged into the steel of this mighty vessel 73 years ago. She stands testament to the American Shipbuilders and WWII veterans who built her from each of the lower 48 states, a symbol of unity for a divided nation, one that holds the power to heal us once again, just as she did in 1952. Our U.S. Merchant Marine should not have to witness their beloved Flagship United States needlessly sunk beneath the waves for the sake of 1% of America who view her as a cash cow, while overlooking the rest. Our Veterans under this Act would gain the much-needed resources and lifelines they deserve after a life of service, for freedom doesn't come free, and this Ark for a Nation is just what America needs! So, in the Spirit of our forefathers as we approach our Nation's 250th, let us Honor them by once again placing ink to parchment and enacting the America 250 Maritime Heritage Act. - Acta Non Verba chng.it/bgtyQVSqvC
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A CALL TO ACTION FOR AMERICA’S FLAGSHIP 📷 July 18th–20th, 2025 | Mobile, Alabama | Tickets at perdidoqueen.com Join us aboard the Perdido Queen Riverboat in Mobile, Alabama for a historic and inspiring three-day event as the SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc., in collaboration with the SSUS Alliance, sets sail to raise awareness and rally support for the rescue of our nation’s proudest maritime achievement—the SS United States, the last American-built ocean liner and enduring flagship of the U.S. Merchant Marine. This is more than a river cruise. This is a movement, a mission, and a moment in time to declare that we will not let our First Lady of the Sea be forgotten or destroyed. With guest speaker and Foundation VP Steve Perry, this event will feature heartfelt discussions, historical tributes, and a united front of Americans who believe in preserving our legacy. We ask you—Patriots, Preservationists, and Proud Americans—come stand with us. Sign & Share our petition: chng.it/KFqh8Zx5Bz Donate to preservation efforts: gofund.me/95293428 Visit us at: ssuspreservationfoundation.c… Just as President Reagan once reminded us, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” So too is our heritage. Let’s not lose this treasure on our watch. Together, let’s Rescue the SS United States. Let’s Preserve History. Let’s Inspire Future Generations. Let’s sail with Pride for our Red, White, and Blue. Hey America! We Don't Sink Our First Lady's!
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We here at the SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc. would like to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Independence Day! Tonight, while we observe the fireworks in the sky and listen to our National Anthem play loud for all to hear. Let us all remember that it was the U.S. Merchant Marine in 1812 who selflessly sunk their merchant ships in the Baltimore Harbor as naval blockades which helped Francis Scott key pen the famous Star Spangle Banner we so love and cherish today.
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