Enact the America 250 Maritime Heritage Act

U.S. Merchant Marine Flagship - SS UNITED STATES

She is our greatest maritime and technological achievement. Built by American shipbuilders and World War II veterans, the SS United States is the maritime equivalent of the Statue of Liberty—a towering emblem of freedom, resilience, and national pride.

Now docked in Mobile, Alabama, she is being prepared for dismantling and deployment as the world’s largest artificial reef, funded by $10.1 million in local tourism tax revenue from Okaloosa County, Florida. Sold for just $1 million, her fate was sealed in ink… or is it? Crews are preparing to remove her iconic red, white, and blue funnels—the largest ever put to sea—while the rest of her nearly 1,000-foot hull awaits destruction.

This is not innovation—it’s erasure, executed with public money and met with public outrage.

The U.S. Merchant Marine: A Legacy Worth Preserving

The SS United States is the last great vessel of the U.S. Merchant Marine, whose story spans centuries:

At Machias, Maine (1775), armed with pitchforks, muskets, and letters of marque; merchant mariners performed the first naval engagement of the revolutionary war, capturing the British warship Margaretta before the continental Navy even existed.

At Fort McHenry (1812), these unsung heroes sunk their own ships as naval blockades in order to keep the British fleet at bay giving Fort McHenry much needed time to prepare for the cannon ball bombardment which help defend Baltimore under the rockets’ red glare—protecting the flag that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner.

In World War II, they sailed into dangerous waters unarmed and braved enemy torpedoes while providing delivering crucial supplies and ammunitions to our front lines while playing a pivotal role to helping the Allies defeat Nazi powers:

243,000 served

733 ships sunk

9,521 lives lost

142 Cadets gave their lives in service before they could even graduate, leading to this Forgotten Service being denied veteran status until 1988.

They carried victory across oceans. They received little recognition. And now, the ship built for them stands at the edge of oblivion.

Presidential Leadership: A Call to Action

We call on President Donald J. Trump to sign a proposed Executive Order that will:

Officially name the SS United States a National Maritime Monument

Return her to federal stewardship and protection

Launch a public-private partnership with the SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc and SS United States Alliance

This action directly supports the goals of Task Force 250, created to honor America’s legacy through bold infrastructure, remembrance, and advocacy for veterans.

To prevent unlawful reefing, we propose a lawful SL7 Fast Sealift Ship exchange—a cost-neutral, environmentally responsible solution already submitted to MARAD.

The America 250 Maritime Heritage Act: A Mission with Phases

This legislation is a multi-phase blueprint to restore and relaunch the SS United States:

Phase One: July 4, 2026 — Public Reveal

The SS United States will be unveiled to the nation in a ceremony marking America's 250th birthday.

Shores of Liberty Park will debut beside her, featuring:

A 250-foot flagpole flying a 48-foot American flag honoring the 48 states of WWII

Bronze statues of Merchant Mariners and WWII shipbuilders

The Garden of Maritime Heroes and interactive youth exhibits

Phase Two: Late 2026 — Programs of Impact

She will become the National Center of Maritime Excellence, hosting:

Veteran Services

Onboard housing, trauma counseling, job training, and peer mentorship

Support during the critical first two years post-service, when suicide, homelessness, and joblessness rates are highest

Today, 17 to 24 veterans die by suicide each day, often disconnected from purpose and support

This ship will be a lifeline—helping our heroes find community, dignity, and direction

Innovation & STEM Education

Launching trade schools, tech incubators, and engineering labs

Programs will teach shipbuilding, coding, robotics, environmental systems, and mechanical design

Designed for underserved youth, veterans, and aspiring tradespeople

STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—is not just theory here. It’s hands-on innovation, applied aboard a ship that once broke records and now builds futures

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 Joint Effort: Foundation + Alliance + Nation

This petition is led by the SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc and the SS United States Alliance, joined by a swelling coalition of Americans who refuse to watch her be erased.

We represent veterans, educators, builders, students, and patriots committed to unity, dignity, and legacy.

National Support Is Rising

Support includes:

Latinos for America First

CPAC advocates

Leading veteran nonprofits

Senator Noah Robinson of Oregon, official bill supporter

Active interest from DOT and MARAD

“This is one of those moments when our nation can come together in celebration rather than erosion of our shared maritime story.” — Senator Noah Robinson

More announcements will be made in the coming weeks as momentum grows from coast to coast.

Sign to Protect the Soul of America's Greatest Ship

By signing, you affirm:

That the SS United States must be preserved—not sunk

That tourism tax dollars should not erase national history

That the U.S. Merchant Marine and our veterans deserve lasting honor

That President Trump’s Executive Order and the America 250 Act must be enacted

That America’s 250th celebration must be a moment of redemption—not regret

How Your Support Will Be Used

All funds raised will be used exclusively to support nonprofit efforts to save the SS United States:

Legal fees related to transfer, protection, and preservation

Travel expenses for advocacy, coordination, and community events

Digital outreach including websites, educational resources, and virtual campaigns

Printing and promotional materials for petitions, signage, and educational exhibits

Administrative support for nonprofit operations and donor communication

On behalf of the SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc. & SS United States Alliance, we would like to thank you in advance for answering this Call to Action to Rescue our First Lady of the Seas & U.S. Merchant Marine Flagship - SS UNITED STATES.

- “Act Non Verba” Deeds Not Words!