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Who We Are:
Preserving America's Heritage So Future Generations Will Always Remember
We are a Non-Profit organization comprised of U.S. Veterans, Merchant Mariners, and American Heritage Preservationists, united by a shared mission: to safeguard our nation’s most sacred institutions, monuments, and esteemed history.
At the SS United States Preservation Foundation, we believe that future generations deserve the opportunity to experience our nation’s most storied histories firsthand—not merely through books or photographs, but through tangible and meaningful encounters with the past.
Meet Our Board Of Directors
Johnathan Radzewicz
Co-Founder & President
John is a dedicated member of the U.S. Merchant Marine, bringing years of expertise in sailing and maintaining commercial vessels of unlimited tonnage. With a deep passion for history, John is also an amateur maritime and naval historian, specializing in the vessels and tactics of the WWII era.
His commitment to preserving America's heritage is evident in his active role as a Civil War and WWII reenactor, where he strives to bring pivotal moments in our Nation's history to life and foster a greater understanding of their significance.
Steve Perry
Co-Founder & VP
Steve is a seasoned marine engineer with an extensive and diverse career spanning both shore and sea within the maritime industry. With expertise in ship engineering, technical operations, and new vessel construction, he has been a licensed U.S. Merchant marine Engineer under the U.S. flag since 1985. As a proud U.S. Merchant mariner and a retired Commander of the U.S. Navy Reserve, Steve brings over four decades of distinguished service and unmatched experience to his field.
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His deep knowledge of SOLAS regulations, coupled with his detailed understanding of ship design and operations, positions him as an authority in the maritime sector. A resident expert on all things related to the SS United States, Steve is a passionate advocate for preserving this iconic liner.
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Carlos Camacho Jr
Co-Founder & CCO
Carlos is a dedicated diesel mechanic with a strong background in engineering and construction of safety vehicles and operations and he brings hands-on expertise to every project. With extensive experience as a skilled laborer in the construction field, he has honed his abilities in both technical craftsmanship and problem solving.
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Beyond mechanics, his background is in communications and historic studies of American history-spanning both naval and land-based contexts which reflect his enduing passion for the understanding of the past. Fascinated by the sea and maritime history, he is particularly captivated by ocean liners and their stories. His family ties to naval and army service have deepened his commitment to the preservation of history and heritage.
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Additionally, his experience in lighting and media operations complements his work, allowing him to approach projects with creativity and passion. Whether preserving history or crafting innovative solutions, he is driven by a passion for excellence and a deep respect for the stories that connect us.
Katrina Hodges
Co-Founder & Secretary
Katrina, a proud recipient of the Rising Stars 20 under 40 NWOC award, has dedicated her life to the preservation of aviation and maritime heritage. At the age of 21, following her diabetes diagnosis, she channeled her determination into rescuing warbirds, amassing an impressive collection of aviation relics, including the A-26 Invader, a British Nuclear bomber, and the AN-2, among others.
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Her passion for preserving history extends beyond aviation. A lifelong fascination with iconic ocean liners such as the RMS Titanic and the SS United States ignited her commitment to safeguard these treasures for future generations. Katrina is unwavering in her advocacy for the preservation of America's legacy, ensuring pivotal moments in history remain alive to educate and inspire.
Nicole Chase
Research & Development Officer
Nicole is highly experienced data analytics professional with nearly 12 years of expertise across a variety of industries. She excels in gathering, analyzing, and reporting on data, backed by her strong project management skills. With scientific background, Nicole has also presented her academic research at conferences across the United States, further showcasing her analytical and communication talents.
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Nicole first encountered the SS United States in Philidelphia last October, where she was immediately captivated by its towering yet comforting presence. Inspired by this iconic ship, she is driven to utilize her scientific expertise, data insights, and project management skills to contribute to its preservation for future generations.
Erik James
Co-Founder & Treasurer
Erik comes from a proud family with a strong military and naval background, fostering his love for ships and the sea from an early age. Growing up near the water in South Florida, he inherited a passion for maritime travel inspired by his family's extensive air and ocean journeys during the golden age of ocean liners.
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With over 25 years of experience in marketing and finance, Erik's career began at International Auto Shows with SAAB AB and Volkswagen as a Product Specialist. His expertise extends to investing and banking, with roles at Wells Fargo and PNC Bank.
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Erik's fascination with the SS United States was kindled in childhood, listening to stories of his family's travels aboard iconic liners like the Mauretania, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, and QE2. That passion deepened during college when he first saw the SS United States docked in Philidelphia, inspiring his involvement with the original Coalition, Conservancy, and Save the Classic Liners Campaign.
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Meet Our Team
Hunter Krone
SSUSA Founder & Social Media Advisor
Hunter is a passionate history enthusiast and dedicated healthcare professional. he became involved with the SS United States Preservation Foundation after connecting with members through his SS United States Alliance Facebook page, combining his love for history and his drive to preserve important landmarks.
Although his interest in ocean liners was sporadic throughout his childhood, he discovered the SS United States only two years ago. Since then, he has been a vocal advocate against the proposed reefing project, viewing it as an unnecessary and wasteful loss of the ship's potential as an attraction.
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Having lived in Florida, Hunter understands the value of artificial reefs but firmly believes that the SS United States, as one of the last remaining iconic ocean liners, should be preserved as a historic treasure for future generations.
Daniel Lanier
Social Media Advisor
Daniel Lanier, an amateur historian hailing from the Appalachian Mountains, has long held a passion for preserving the past. With years of experience in tourism and public relations, Daniel quietly supported the SS United States Conservancy until it became clear that the situation was slipping out of control.
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Frustrated by the overwhelming demand for action, he resolved to step up and be the change that so many were calling for.
Since then, Daniel has worked tirelessly to save the ship, dedicating his time and energy to ensuring that this iconic piece of American history is preserved for future generations.
Ren-Horng Wang
Chief Illustration Advisor
Ren's fascination with ocean liners began in childhood, leading him to first see the SS United States in Philadelphia through his connection with Mike Alexander. During his student years, he funded the Lusitania Resource (www.rmslusitania.info), establishing himself as a passionate advocate for preserving the history of ocean liners.
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As an artist, Ren channels his creativity into drawing and painting historical and fictional ships under the names Arridanchu on DeviantArt and Imaginaryliners on Instagram. His visual artistry also serves the SS United States Preservation Foundation, where he creates conceptual art renderings to envision the ship as a floating destination in various cities.
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As an AmeriCorps*NCCC alumnus who helped rebuild the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, Ren embodies a dedication to renewing American communities and celebrating our national heritage. Beyond his love for ocean liners, he writes and directs short films, runs marathons, counsels high school students, and leads teen leadership camps in Nepal and China.
Ed Burgoon
Sustainability Advisor
A lifelong enthusiast of the sea and maritime heritage, Ed has committed himself to environmental work with over 5 years of expertise in remediation. Coupled with 10 years of experience as an auto mechanic, he brings strong technical and mechanical abilities to every project he takes on. His passion for ships spans all time periods, and he finds immense joy in preserving the legacy of these incredible vessels.
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As a Philadelphian native, he grew up with the SS United States. Captivated by her towering presence from an early age. From the moment he saw he saw her; she became a part of his life that he simply cannot let go of. This personal connection fuels his dedication to this project and his determination to Safegard this iconic ship for future generations to come.
Jonathan M. Grow
Chief Marketing Advisor
Jonathan is a U.S. Army veteran and small business owner based in Boise, Idaho. He specializes in air-cooled Volkswagen and Porsche repair, while also lending his expertise as an Automation Installation Specialist for an Austrian-based Intralogistics company. With a deep-seated passion for mechanical systems and a curiosity for "what makes them tick," Jonathan's pursuits are as diverse as his skillset.
From vintage small engines and automobiles to aircraft and ships, Jonathan's interests encompass “anything old and mechanical, with or without an engine.” His extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for mechanical history, ingenuity, and design set him apart as a distinct and respected figure in the automotive and engineering communities.
Hockey Bergenfort
Chief Digital-AI Advisor
Hockey, a Swedish enthusiast of history, ocean liners cars, computers, and team sports who lives a fulfilling life in Sweden with his beloved wife and son. His passion for ocean liners truly ignited when he connected with his friend Hunter on Reddit, through a shared appreciation for ocean liner photography.
Inspired by his determination to save the SS United States, he joined his efforts, starting with a Discord group and eventually collaborating and becoming a member of the SS United States Preservation Foundation. ​
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Since then, his admiration for the SS United States, fondly known as the "Big U," has grown immensely. To Hockey, she stands alongside the RMS Queen Mary as one of the most beautiful and iconic ships still in existence- a true treasure worth preserving for future generations.
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