Rethink the Sink. Restore an American Flagship.
For nearly seventy-five years, the SS United States has stood as one of America's greatest engineering achievements.
Built by American shipbuilders and World War II veterans, she was designed to represent the very best of our nation, speed, innovation, strength, and freedom. She still holds the transatlantic speed record set on her maiden voyage, a record that remains unbroken to this day.
Today, America's flagship stands at a crossroads.
She is currently being prepared for deployment as the world's largest artificial reef.
Once she is gone, there will never be another SS United States.
We believe America deserves another choice.
Operation Liberty Shift
Operation Liberty Shift is a national preservation initiative led by the SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc.
Our mission is simple:
Shift the future of the SS United States from destruction to purpose.
Instead of allowing one of America's greatest national treasures to disappear beneath the sea, we are working to preserve her as a living symbol of American history, innovation, service, and national pride.
Rethink the Sink
Every generation is given a responsibility.
Ours is deciding what becomes of America's flagship.
Should one of the greatest ships ever built become an artificial reef...
...or should she continue serving the nation whose name she proudly carries?
We believe history deserves another option.
That's why we ask every American to Rethink the Sink.
A Vision Worth Fighting For
Operation Liberty Shift supports a bold vision for the future of the SS United States.
Working alongside our partners, we are advancing proposals that would transform the ship into a national destination dedicated to:
- Honoring the legacy of the United States Merchant Marine
- Supporting veterans as they transition home through education, mentorship, and workforce opportunities
- Inspiring future generations through STEM education, skilled trades, engineering, and maritime history
- Preserving one of America's greatest engineering achievements
- Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary by investing in our shared national heritage
Rather than becoming history beneath the sea, the SS United States can once again become a flagship of purpose.
Why Your Support Matters
Preserving a National Register-listed Historic Property requires more than passion.
It requires research, planning, public education, technical expertise, government engagement, historic preservation specialists, travel, outreach, and the professional resources necessary to pursue every lawful opportunity to preserve America's flagship.
Your generosity helps our nonprofit continue that work every day.
Every donation moves this mission forward.
Join the Mission
History does not preserve itself.
People do.
If you believe America should preserve one of its greatest symbols of innovation, service, and freedom, we invite you to stand with us.
Together, we can Rethink the Sink.
Together, we can advance Operation Liberty Shift.
Together, we can give the SS United States the future she deserves.
How Your Support Makes an Impact
Every contribution directly advances the mission of the SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc. and helps move Operation Liberty Shift forward.
Donations may be used to support:
Historic preservation advocacy and public education
Government, legislative, and regulatory engagement
Professional technical, environmental, and preservation expertise
Research, documentation, and strategic planning
Website development, digital outreach, and educational resources
Meetings, travel, and collaboration with preservation partners and public officials
Community events, presentations, and awareness campaigns
Printing, communications, and educational materials
Administrative and operational expenses necessary to carry out the Foundation's nonprofit mission
Every dollar helps ensure that every responsible opportunity to preserve America's flagship can be fully explored.
As a registered nonprofit organization, the SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc. is committed to using every contribution responsibly in furtherance of its historic preservation mission.
Together, we are building a future worthy of the ship that proudly bears our nation's name.
Act Non Verba. Deeds Not Words!
Learn more about Operation Liberty Shift and Rethink the Sink:
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