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.