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They Built Her. Our Generation Decides Her Future.
“You can’t set her afire, you can’t sink her, and you can’t catch her.”
— William Francis Gibbs
William Francis Gibbs watches his creation pass by—the culmination of a 40-year vision.
The Future of an American Flagship
For more than seven decades, the SS United States has stood as a symbol of American ingenuity, strength, and national pride. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and still remembered as the fastest ocean liner ever built, she represents a rare surviving achievement of America’s maritime age.
Today, this historic vessel faces a decision by Okaloosa County that could permanently remove her from the nation’s historic landscape by intentionally sinking her as an artificial reef.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, there is still time to call for informed review, public engagement, and preservation-oriented alternatives.
Why This Matters
The SS United States is not just another ship. She is a nationally recognized historic vessel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and remains one of the greatest achievements of American maritime engineering.
Built by veterans and American shipbuilders in the aftermath of World War II, she represented a nation moving forward with confidence, innovation, and purpose. Her record-breaking speed, her Merchant Marine legacy, and her place in America’s maritime story make her irreplaceable.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the question is not only what happens to one vessel, but whether we still choose to protect the symbols that define our national story.
A DEFINING MOMENT FOR THE SS UNITED STATES
The SS United States stands at a defining moment in her history. While plans have been proposed to intentionally sink the vessel as an artificial reef, many Americans believe this nationally significant historic vessel deserves renewed consideration before an irreversible decision is carried out.
Our campaign encourages thoughtful public engagement, informed discussion, and the exploration of preservation-oriented alternatives that honor the ship’s extraordinary legacy while there is still time to act.
Who We Are
The SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc. is a Florida not-for-profit corporation dedicated to preserving, protecting, documenting, and advancing public understanding of the SS United States and her historic, cultural, maritime, and national significance.
Board-led and supported by officers, advisors, and volunteers, the Foundation is actively working to advance preservation-focused solutions, engage the public, and advocate for responsible alternatives that honor the ship’s legacy while there is still time.
Under Our Leadership
Under the leadership of the SS United States Preservation Foundation, a growing national effort has emerged to preserve the legacy of the SS United States and educate the public about her historical significance and future.
Through advocacy, historical research, public education, and participation in the federal review process, the Foundation has helped elevate awareness of the SS United States, engaging supporters, historians, veterans, and citizens from across the country.
Built by American hands and carrying the name of our nation, the SS United States remains a powerful symbol of innovation, craftsmanship, and national resolve.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we remain committed to ensuring that our nation’s next chapter is not marked by the intentional sinking of an American flagship named UNITED STATES.
SS United States Preservation Foundation
SUPPORT THE MISSION
The SS United States Preservation Foundation is sustained by individuals who believe the legacy and future of the SS United States matter.
Contributions support public education, preservation advocacy, historical research, documentation, outreach, digital initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and the Foundation’s ability to respond as circumstances evolve.
Every contribution helps support the mission and preserve a legacy.
BECOME A MEMBER
Membership is free. Become part of the SS United States Preservation Foundation and stay connected to updates, briefings, events, outreach, research, preservation, education, advocacy, public engagement, and other Foundation initiatives.
JOIN THE FIGHT
Show your support for the SS United States and for continued consideration of preservation-oriented alternatives concerning her future.
Every signature helps demonstrate meaningful public participation and public interest in the preservation of this nationally significant historic vessel.
A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDATION
America’s 250th anniversary should celebrate the symbols that define our national story, not be remembered for the sinking an American flagship named United States.
