SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc

We are a non-profit consisting of U.S. Veterans, Merchant Mariners, and American Heritage Preservationists whose Mission is to Rescue our First Lady of the Seas

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

SS UNITED STATES PRESERVATION FOUNDATION

FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS, SS UNITED STATES. 🇺🇸

At 10:00PM EST. on November 11, 2026, Veterans Day, an American flagship named UNITED STATES slipped beneath the waters of the Gulf of America, bringing to a close one of the most remarkable chapters in American maritime history.

For nearly three-quarters of a century, she stood as a monument to American ingenuity, determination, and the extraordinary generation that built her.

Born from the vision of brothers William Francis and Frederic Herbert Gibbs, and brought to life by the hands of World War II Veterans and American shipbuilders, she would become more than an ocean liner. She became a declaration of what America could achieve.

Built with American steel, powered by American innovation, and carrying the name of our nation across the world's oceans, she represented the very best of a country that dared to accomplish the impossible.

She was America's pride in PEACE and strength in WAR, had the Nation ever called apon her.

She was and is the pride of our U.S. Merchant Marine.

And she was, in every sense of the word, an American masterpiece.

Today, our hearts are heavy.

For more than a year, the SS United States Preservation Foundation fought to secure a different future for this extraordinary vessel.

We believed then, as we believe now, that a nation should preserve the greatest achievements of those who came before us, not merely remember them after they are gone.

We pursued every avenue available to us. We knocked on doors, appealed to our elected leaders, presented evidence, and stood our ground until the very end.

We did so not for recognition, nor for reward, but because some things are worth fighting for, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

Although we could not change the outcome, we remain profoundly proud of the people who refused to surrender her without a fight.

To our supporters, advisors, volunteers, fellow preservationists, veterans, merchant mariners, and the countless Americans who stood beside us: thank you.

You reminded us that the spirit which built this magnificent ship still lives within the American people.

To the men and women of Newport News Shipbuilding, to the Gibbs brothers, to her officers and crews, and to the generations who walked her decks, we offer our deepest gratitude.

You built something that transcended steel. You built a legacy that has endured for generations.

And while the ocean may now claim her hull, it can never claim what she represents in the hearts of many who heard her call.

The SS United States was never simply rivets and steel. She was a testament to a generation that endured the darkness of war and emerged determined to build a brighter world for the rest of us all.

Before America reached for the stars, we crossed oceans aboard ships like her. She was their generation's moonshot, a triumph of imagination made real through courage, craftsmanship, and an unshakable belief in this nation.

Her final voyage marks the end of her life above the water, but it must never mark the end of her story.

Our mission to honor her builders, preserve her history, and ensure that future generations understand her significance will endure.

For those who believe that our nation's heritage is worth protecting, our work is not finished.

To our beloved SS UNITED STATES:

You carried the colors of our nation with dignity. You crossed the Atlantic faster than any ocean liner before you. You inspired generations to believe in the boundless possibilities of American achievement.

And in your final hours, you reminded the world once more of the extraordinary strength with which you were built.

You deserved a different ending, and will never be forgotten.

Rest now, great lady. Your final voyage is over, but your legacy sails on.

Fair winds and following seas.

Pride of a Nation, and Forever - UNITED STATES. 🇺🇸

SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc.

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

🇺🇸 AMERICA AT THE HELM
An Eleventh-Hour Appeal to Save What a Nation Once Built

OUR MESSAGE HAS BEEN PUBLISHED. NOW WE NEED AMERICA TO HEAR IT.

Today, on Veterans Day, as our nation honors those who served, an American flagship named UNITED STATES faces deliberate sinking in the Gulf of America.

Built by American hands of World War II veterans and American shipbuilders, the SS UNITED STATES represents the ingenuity, determination, and extraordinary achievements of the Greatest Generation.

She was their generation's moonshot.

For more than a year, the SS United States Preservation Foundation has fought to save and preserve this National Register-listed Historic Vessel and secure a future worthy of her legacy.

Today, our Co-Founder and Chief Communications Officer, Carlos Camacho Jr., has published an eleventh-hour appeal through Florida Daily, calling upon our nation's leadership, including President Donald J. Trump, to intervene before this irreplaceable piece of American history is lost.

In less than an hour, time will tell whether the America we leave behind for future generations is one that honors what those before us once built, or one that allows their legacy to be erased from time itself.

The clock is running out, but until the very last moment, we will continue to FIGHT because that is what we as Americans do.

We ask every American who believes our national heritage is worth preserving to READ, SHARE, AND HELP GET THIS MESSAGE TO WASHINGTON.

Let the President hear our appeal. Let the nation know what is happening. And let history show that Americans stood up for what their forefathers built.

🇺🇸 THE SS UNITED STATES IS STILL WORTH FIGHTING FOR.

📰 READ THE PUBLISHED OP-ED:

https://t.co/5rJs9xMnXl

ACTA NON VERBA - DEEDS, NOT WORDS.

- SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc. @SSUSPF488

#SaveTheSSUnitedStates #AmericaAtTheHelm #VeteransDay #America250 #SSUnitedStates #PreservationMatters

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

@POTUS , as I write this, the historic SS United States is being towed out of Mobile. Built by World War II veterans and American shipbuilders, this American flagship is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Okaloosa County plans to sink her in the Gulf of America the day after Veterans Day, and during America’s 250th anniversary.

What a terrible metaphor for our nation at 250 to honor those who served one day and sink what they built the next.

I can’t imagine you would want to be remembered as the President who stood by while one county's actions sank an American flagship named UNITED STATES. The County made its choice. Now you can make yours.

Mr. President, please sign an executive order today directing your administration to take every lawful step to stop the sinking and save the SS United States.

There’s American heritage worth saving and restoring far beyond Washington. Here’s a chance to put your name to the rescue of a ship that already bears our nation’s name.

We the People are calling on you in her eleventh hour. If we stand idle and surrender our past to the tyranny of erasure, we put America’s future at risk. With a stroke of your pen, you can set in motion a rescue that could become one of the proudest moments of America’s 250th year.

She’s under tow. She’s still afloat. There’s still time to save her.

What say you, Mr. President? Will you be her champion?

Carlos Camacho Jr.
Co-Founder, SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE FOUNDATION

To our members, supporters, and the public:

From the inception of the SS United States Preservation Foundation, our mission has been to save and preserve the history and legacy of the SS UNITED STATES.

We believe this extraordinary vessel represents an irreplaceable chapter in American maritime history and deserves a future above the water, where her story, significance, and legacy can continue to be shared with generations to come.

Through extensive research and participation in federal review and consultation processes concerning the proposed reefing of the vessel, we have uncovered broader concerns involving environmental protection, potential impacts on the marine environment, and diver safety. Our commitment to saving and preserving the SS UNITED STATES remains at the heart of everything we do.

However, we recognize that our responsibility extends beyond the preservation of one historic vessel. When our work brings serious concerns to light involving the protection of our waters, our environment, and public safety, we have a responsibility to speak up. Knowing what we know, we cannot simply look the other way. We did not undertake this responsibility lightly, nor can we turn away from what our work has revealed.

After exhausting available avenues to pursue preservation, the Foundation’s Board of Directors unanimously voted to pursue legal action against the United States Army Corps of Engineers and Okaloosa County. The Foundation and co-founder Steven R. Perry filed suit on November 3, followed by an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction on November 4.

This decision was not taken lightly. We recognize the seriousness of this step, but believe it is necessary to defend the principles upon which this Foundation was established and to seek accountability through the appropriate legal process.

Our resolve remains firm. We will continue fighting for the survival and preservation of the SS UNITED STATES, while ensuring that the broader historical, environmental, and public safety concerns brought to light through this process receive the attention they deserve.

We thank our members, supporters, and partners who continue to stand with us. This effort is about more than one vessel. It is about protecting an irreplaceable part of American history and honoring the responsibility we share to future generations.

Learn more about our work, membership, and ways to support our preservation and legal efforts at:
https://t.co/dGvulLvhI9

Included with this post is our official press release, distributed to the media this morning.

Read the lawsuit:
https://t.co/Pd6DTUF2nY

Read the emergency motion:
https://t.co/0XTYFBGelS

Acta Non Verba,

SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc.

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

SS United States: The Chromium Question Okaloosa County Cannot Ignore

Chromium-6. The toxic form of chromium brought to national attention through the Erin Brockovich case has also been identified in sampled coatings from SS United States.

For nearly 75 years, this American flagship has carried protective coatings on surfaces above her waterline. Those primers are not underwater antifouling paint.

Above the waterline, these coatings are not continuously submerged in seawater. The County’s plan would place them in permanent underwater contact with seawater, including oxygen-rich water surrounding the exposed vessel. That change in exposure requires careful evaluation of contaminant release and potential harm.

The County says full remediation is complete, yet yellow primer remains visible on the ship today. Historical records identify the yellow zinc-chromate primer used aboard the vessel, and laboratory testing has confirmed hexavalent chromium in sampled coatings. “Remediation complete” does not mean those coatings are gone.

The County has stated that zinc chromate is “not a federally regulated material requiring removal from the vessel.” That statement does not establish that permanently submerging the remaining coatings will be environmentally safe.

The County should substantiate its assurances by releasing the testing and supporting analyses showing how the remaining coatings were evaluated for permanent seawater exposure. We continue to oppose her sinking and demand that these questions be answered before any irreversible action is taken.

Dr. Todd Osborne has warned about potential harm to aquatic organisms, uptake into fish, and implications for seafood safety. Dr. Jeremy Fein has challenged the scientific basis for predicting that chromium release will slow under ocean conditions.

Our mission has always been to save and preserve SS United States, and that has not changed. Alongside that mission, we believe we have a responsibility as citizens to bring laboratory findings and expert concerns about potential environmental harm to the public’s attention.

Watch the evidence and concerns examined in this video:
https://t.co/poVV8L34Ae

The Corps has concluded its Section 106 review. Our fight for transparency, accountability, and her survival continues.

In Part Two, we will examine additional laboratory findings and expert assessments, and share supporting records so the public can review the evidence.

Watch. Share. Ask for the records.

Join the effort or donate to support our work to save an American flagship named UNITED STATES and protect our marine environment:
https://t.co/dGvulLuJSB

Image: Conceptual illustration.

@SSUSPF488

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

Official Statement from the Board of Directors of SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc.

For several months, a small faction of online commentators has engaged in a continuous, unprovoked campaign of defamatory statements targeting this organization.

Out of respect for our mission, we have previously chosen to ignore this digital harassment.

However, we will no longer permit the public record to be distorted by individuals who pretend to be victims the moment their months of unprovoked attacks are met with resistance.

Let us be entirely clear:

The SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc. is a legally compliant not-for-profit corporation operating in perfect, active standing with the State of Florida.

As validated by the Florida Department of State certificate attached below, our organization is fully active, up-to-date, and completely open to official oversight.

We do not merely welcome scrutiny of our corporate compliance; we invite it.

We have absolutely nothing to hide.

For the sake of complete transparency, as we have always done, we are proactively providing this official state document to completely dispel these commentators wrongful and malicious accusations.

To those individuals who have spent months manufacturing these narratives regarding our organization, the Board issues a final, binding challenge:

PRODUCE THE EVIDENCE.

If you possess verifiable, physical proof of financial impropriety or regulatory non-compliance by this Foundation, file a formal report with the Florida Attorney General’s Office or the Florida Division of Corporations immediately.

If you cannot or will not do so because your claims are built entirely on internet conjecture and personal malice, any further public dissemination of these false allegations will be treated as deliberate corporate libel.
With this matter firmly established, the Foundation addresses the catalyst for this recent discussion:

The unapproved, personal comments made by our Treasurer, Erik James, on his private social media account do not reflect our corporate stance or organizational values.

The Foundation does not condone the use of personal profiles to engage in public feuds, regardless of the months of intense provocation that preceded them.

The Board has strict corporate policies governing affiliate conduct and is actively addressing this internal matter thoroughly and privately.

This statement serves as the Foundation's final, conclusive word on this matter.

Our official corporate channels are the only authorized platforms where the views and positions of our organization are presented.

Moving forward, any further bad-faith baiting or defamatory statements targeting our organization or its officers will be referred directly to our legal counsel for immediate litigation.

Our focus remains entirely on protecting the legal status and historic legacy of the SS United States.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Remember:

Certified facts outlive unverified commentary.

Respectfully,

Carlos Camacho Jr.
Co-Founder & Chief Communications Officer
SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

TODAY, ON LABOR DAY, WE HONOR WHAT AMERICAN HANDS BUILT

Before she became a legend, she was steel, shipyard staging, blueprints, and a promise.

That promise was fulfilled by thousands of American workers whose names may never appear in history books, but whose labor created one of the greatest maritime achievements our nation and the world have ever seen: the SS United States.

Many of her builders were veterans of World War II. After helping defend America, they returned home, entered the shipyards, and began building America’s future.

More than 5,000 workers at Newport News Shipbuilding joined hundreds of naval architects, marine engineers, and designers at Gibbs & Cox. Her construction was a true national undertaking, supported by more than 800 American firms, with contributions reaching across all 48 states then in the Union.

Shipfitters, welders, machinists, electricians, pipefitters, painters, draftsmen, engineers, and craftsmen worked behind the scenes, often in difficult, dangerous, and unseen conditions.

Piece by piece, weld by weld, and deck by deck, they transformed American steel into a maritime masterpiece, and one of the greatest engineering achievements of the 20th century.

The SS United States was engineered not only as a passenger liner, but as a naval auxiliary capable of serving America during a national emergency. Much of her performance and national-defense capability remained classified for years.

If called into wartime service, she could be rapidly converted to carry nearly 14,000 troops and steam 10,000 nautical miles without stopping to refuel or reprovision.

At her heart was an extraordinary four-shaft propulsion plant: eight oil-fired boilers supplying high-pressure, high-temperature steam to four Westinghouse geared steam-turbine sets located in two independent engine rooms.

Her machinery was rated at 240,000 shaft horsepower at maximum continuous output. During trials, the plant produced an astonishing 247,785 shaft horsepower and drove the ship to 38.32 knots.

But sheer power was only part of her achievement.

Her finely formed welded-steel hull was engineered for speed, strength, and seakeeping. Her extensive aluminum superstructure dramatically reduced weight above the waterline. Her independent machinery spaces increased reliability and survivability. Her designers pursued unprecedented standards of fire resistance, electrical generation, fresh-water production, climate control, and hydrodynamic efficiency.

More aluminum was used in her construction than in any previous project on land or sea.

She brought together the finest American advances in naval architecture, marine engineering, metallurgy, propulsion, and fire safety. She demonstrated, on an unprecedented scale, what lightweight construction, immense power, redundancy, and precision engineering could achieve, and established benchmarks for the high-performance ships that followed.

Then the world witnessed what American labor had created.

On her maiden voyage in 1952, the SS United States crossed the Atlantic eastbound in just 3 days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes, capturing the Blue Riband from Britain’s Queen Mary. On her return passage, she broke the westbound record as well, shattering Queen Mary’s records in both directions.

Nearly 75 years later, those records for an ocean liner remain unbroken.

Throughout 17 years of service, she never missed a scheduled crossing because of mechanical failure.

Think about what that means.

Thousands of workers, most never publicly recognized, built a vessel of such power, precision, and reliability that their achievement remains unequaled nearly three-quarters of a century later.

The SS United States also stands as the symbolic flagship of the United States Merchant Marine. For 17 years, American Merchant Mariners served aboard her, navigating her across the North Atlantic, operating and maintaining her powerful machinery, and carrying out the demanding work required to sustain her renowned speed, safety, and reliability.

Beyond her decks, American Merchant Mariners carry our commerce, deliver essential goods, provide military sealift, and answer the nation’s call in war, emergency, and peace. Like the shipbuilders pictured here, they perform work vital to America even when much of America never sees it.

The SS United States is not merely steel and rivets.

She is the surviving work of American hands. Every plate in her hull, every weld, every shaft, and every frame carries the legacy of the people who built her.

Today, their creation stands in jeopardy.

The threat is no longer distant. Within a matter of weeks, Okaloosa County, Florida, could carry out its publicly stated plan to deliberately sink the SS United States in the Gulf of America as an artificial reef and diving attraction.

During the very year our nation commemorates its 250th anniversary, one of the greatest surviving achievements of American labor could be intentionally placed beneath the waves, forever beyond the reach of future generations.

Let that sink in: during America’s 250th anniversary, instead of honoring what American labor built, Okaloosa County intends to sink it.

If that happens, one of the greatest surviving monuments to American maritime labor and ingenuity will be lost forever as a living, accessible part of our national heritage. Future generations will be denied the opportunity to experience what American workers built.

We cannot claim to honor American workers while accepting the deliberate destruction of what their labor created.

A maritime masterpiece built to serve America deserves more than a burial at sea.

She deserves a future.

Today, on Labor Day, stand with us for the shipbuilders who forged her steel, the Merchant Mariners she represents, and every American worker whose unseen labor built this nation.

Join the SS United States Preservation Foundation and add your name to the fight:

https://t.co/spY7mbqFlg

Support Operation Liberty Shift and help give America’s Flagship a future:

https://t.co/PAs5c5OAiX

They gave her their strength, their skill, and their labor.

They built an American triumph.

Now it is our generation’s responsibility to ensure that their masterpiece remains above the waves, and that their legacy remains within America’s reach.

#LaborDay #SSUnitedStates #SaveTheUnitedStates #OperationLibertyShift #AmericanLabor #AmericanShipbuilding #USMerchantMarine #MaritimeHistory

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

🇺🇸 “If America forgets her past, she risks her future.”🇺🇸

The SS United States Preservation Foundation is proud to join a growing national coalition of Tribal Nations, preservation and conservation organizations, museums, historical societies, professional associations, and local governments urging Congress to protect and strengthen Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

For our Foundation, this issue is not abstract. Section 106 gave the SS United States and those fighting for her preservation a formal voice before an irreversible decision is made.

Our experience demonstrates why this essential safeguard must be protected, respected, and strengthened.

Read the Foundation’s official press release:

https://t.co/YDcR5pwEgu

Want to become more directly involved?

Membership in the SS United States Preservation Foundation is free. Join us, stay informed, and become part of the next phase of our fight to save the UNITED STATES.

https://t.co/spY7mbqFlg

#SSUnitedStates #HistoricPreservation #Section106 #SaveTheUnitedStates #Don'tGiveUpTheShip

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

THE NEXT PHASE BEGINS.

With the Section 106 review now concluded, the future of the SS United States enters a new phase.

The SS United States Preservation Foundation remains committed to historic preservation, public education, research, responsible stewardship, and meaningful public participation concerning this National Register-listed historic property.

We recognize that artificial reefs can provide environmental, recreational, and economic benefits when projects are properly evaluated and responsibly carried out.

Our focus remains specifically on the SS United States, the circumstances surrounding her proposed deployment, and our belief that this historic vessel deserves consideration for a better future.

As that work moves forward, the Foundation is expanding its membership and inviting additional supporters to become more directly involved. Membership is free.

Members can receive updates and briefings, learn about upcoming events and outreach, and take part in opportunities involving research, preservation, education, advocacy, public engagement, and other Foundation initiatives.

Whether your connection to the SS United States is personal, historical, professional, educational, maritime, or simply rooted in a desire to see this important vessel receive the consideration she deserves, there is a place for you in this effort.

Our commitment has not changed, and our work continues. If you want to do more than follow what happens next, we invite you to join the SS United States Preservation Foundation.

There is no requirement to donate.

For those who choose to contribute, donations help support and advance the Foundation’s ongoing work.

https://t.co/V5Wa75ytsj

Do not simply follow the next phase. Become part of it.

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

A Statement on the Current Environmental Review, Permit Status, and Proposed Reef Deployment of the SS United States

As Co-Founder and Chief Communications Officer of the SS United States Preservation Foundation, it is important to clarify several matters concerning the current regulatory status regarding the proposed sinking of the SS United States as an artificial reef in the Gulf of America.

While the Section 106 historic-preservation review has concluded, Section 106 represents only one component of the federal process associated with the proposed sinking of the SS United States.

Its completion should not be confused with completion of environmental review, resolution of outstanding environmental concerns, EPA approval, or final federal authorization to sink the SS UnitedStates.

There seems to be a great deal of confusion between what has actually been documented by the federal agencies and what some simply assume has already occurred.

So, rather than debate opinions, let's stick to the record.

The Section 106 historic-preservation review has concluded, and a Memorandum of Agreement has been executed. That is a fact.

But a Section 106 MOA is not an environmental approval, an EPA determination that the vessel is safe to sink, or by itself a final authorization to sink the SS United States as an artificial reef.

Likewise, the March 13, 2026 USACE Public Notice was exactly what the Corps called it: "a public notice concerning an application/request" that included proposed permit modifications and a requested 10-year extension.

A public notice requesting public comment on proposed agency action should not be confused with the final agency action itself.

That distinction is particularly important here.
The written permit issued in 2016 identified an expiration date of March 10, 2026.

The Corps' 2021 modification retained that expiration date.

The March 2026 Public Notice was then issued three days later, on March 13, and included a "request for a 10-year time extension."

There have also been statements concerning an extension through December 2026. But statements and assumptions are not substitutes for the administrative record.

If a written USACE instrument formally extending the permit has been issued, it should be straightforward to produce it. The same applies to any subsequent final permit modification or authorization.

The environmental questions deserve the same standard of evidence.

Claims that EPA has already “signed off,” or that the environmental concerns surrounding this particular vessel have somehow been “disproved,” should be supported by the actual EPA determination, scientific findings, or official federal documentation establishing that.

A County statement is not an "EPA determination."

A consultant's opinion is not an "EPA determination."

Completion of Section 106 is not an "EPA determination."

And preparations aboard the vessel do not themselves establish "final federal authorization."

Comparisons to vessels that sank decades ago don't answer these questions either.

An accidental or historic shipwreck is not evidence that deliberately sinking a particular vessel into the marine environment today will have “zero effect,” nor does the existence of old wrecks eliminate the regulatory requirements governing an intentional deployment.

There is another important distinction when comparing vessels sunk decades ago to the deliberate sinking of this vessel today.

The regulatory landscape, environmental standards, and understanding of legacy toxic coatings have changed substantially over time.

Materials and coating systems once commonly used on ships are not treated the same way under modern environmental standards.

Zinc-chromate coatings, for example, belong to an older generation of corrosion-control systems that were progressively replaced in many applications by alternatives such as zinc-phosphate and newer coating technologies as health, environmental, and occupational concerns surrounding chromates became better understood and became more heavily regulated.

What may have occurred with vessels decades ago whether intentional or accidental therefore does not establish what is acceptable, lawful, or environmentally appropriate for an intentional deployment today.

Whether someone believes reefing is the most dignified outcome, whether restoring the vessel would have been economically feasible, or whether reefing ultimately proves to be her fate are separate discussions.

None of those questions determines whether the sinking of the SS United States proposed today has satisfied the applicable federal requirements.

This isn't about being for or against artificial reefs. Responsible artificial reefing can provide real benefits.
It is about something much simpler.

If the approvals exist, produce them.

If EPA has signed off, produce the EPA documentation.

If the environmental concerns have been scientifically disproved, produce the scientific findings.

If the permit has been formally extended or modified, produce the federal instrument that did it.

Those documents either exist or they don't, a simple black and white truth that deserves transparency and accountability, both of which have not been provided to date by neither the County, public commentators, or the federal agencies.

Until then, there is an important difference between saying a project is expected to move forward and demonstrating that every federal review and authorization necessary for it has actually been completed.

The administrative record, not repetition, assumptions, or inevitability will ultimately answer that question.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Carlos Camacho Jr.
Co-Founder & Chief Communications Officer
SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc.

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

🇺🇸 On This Day in History - June 23, 1951 🇺🇸

Seventy-five years ago today, the SS United States was christened at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, marking the beginning of the remarkable journey of what would become one of the nation's greatest maritime achievements ever created.

Designed by renowned naval architect William Francis Gibbs and built under extraordinary secrecy during the early years of the Cold War, the SS United States embodied the very best of American innovation, industrial capability, and national purpose. Her revolutionary design, fire-safe construction, and strategic capabilities pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible at sea.

Far more than a luxury liner, she was conceived as a strategic national asset in times of war that was capable of transporting 14,000 troops more than 10,000 nautical miles without stopping, refueling, or reprovisioning. The following year, she would capture the Blue Riband, securing her place in history as the fastest ocean liner ever built, a record that she still holds to this day.

Yet the legacy of the SS United States extends far beyond records and statistics. She represents the ingenuity of American shipbuilders, the service of generations of merchant mariners, and a period in our history when the United States dared to achieve the extraordinary.

At the SS United States Preservation Foundation, we believe that legacies of this significance deserve thoughtful stewardship. We will continue to fight for a future that embodies that very principle.

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the christening of the SS United States invites us to reflect on something greater than a ship.

It asks a simple but defining question of our nation: If one of the greatest maritime achievements ever created an enduring symbol of American ingenuity, service, and national purpose is allowed to be needlessly lost, what does that say about how we value the achievements and heritage entrusted to our care?

Acta Non Verba. 🇺🇸⚓️

#RethinkTheSink

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

FACT CHECK: JUNE 16, 2026

For months, the public has been presented with repeated characterizations of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), the Section 106 consultation process, and the federal review surrounding the SS United States that have not been reflected in the contemporaneous agency record.

This is yet another example.

On June 15, 2026:

- Florida SHPO stated that it had recently provided feedback on a third MOA draft and that a final draft was still forthcoming.

- The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) stated that Section 106 consultation remained ongoing.

- Later that same day, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) confirmed that it was still developing a Final Draft to be sent to all consulting parties.

The slides below simply place public statements alongside the contemporaneous agency record and allow readers to compare them directly.

Despite those June 15 agency statements, Okaloosa County proceeded on June 16 with a vote authorizing execution of what its agenda characterized as a "final Memorandum of Agreement."

The status of a federal review process is not determined by private commentary, social media interpretations, local characterizations, or speculation. It is determined by the federal agencies conducting the review and by the contemporaneous administrative record they create.

As always, the SS United States Preservation Foundation remains committed to factual accuracy, primary-source documentation, and the integrity of the administrative record.

Dated documents. Contemporaneous record. The record speaks for itself.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Carlos Camacho Jr.
Co-Founder & Chief Communications Officer
SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc
Federally Recognized Section 106 Consulting Party Representative
USACE Permit SAJ-1996-03565 - SS United States

#TheRecordSpeaksForItself
#DocumentsMatter

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

We have received an alarming number of messages from supporters who experienced confusion or difficulty participating in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ public notice and comment process for the SS United States.

Many people have also reported that public statements from the County and the pro‑reefing community created additional confusion about the status of the project and how Section 106 actually works.

To ensure the administrative record accurately reflects the public’s experience, we are documenting these issues.

If you had trouble locating the Corps’ notice, opening it, understanding the comment window, or submitting comments, please email your experience and questions to:

[email protected]

We are also documented your recent concerns:

• "you were unsure whether comments were being accepted"
• "you felt the timeframe was unclear or too short"
• "you believed the project was already approved based on public statements"
• "references to LAARS B, reefing announcements, or pro‑reefing messaging affected your understanding"
• "you felt unable to comment until now"
• "you were confused about how Section 106 works"
• "you believe a public hearing would have improved your ability to participate"

Your statements will be compiled and forwarded to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, so the record reflects the public’s actual experience with notice, clarity, access, and participation in the Section 106 process.

As a reminder, the current (15-Day Public Notice Comment Period) expires on March 28, 2026, so be sure to write in so your voice is heard.

Please keep your remarks focused on public notice, clarity, access, and your ability to participate.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

- SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc.
Federally Recognized Consulting Party for Section 106 Review - Department of the Army Permit, SAJ-1996-03565

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

For accuracy, the public notice includes the Corps’ National Historic Preservation Act effect determination for the planned sinking of the SS United States. This means the notice is part of the federal Section 106 process, and public comments submitted now become part of the official federal record.

Members of the public may address any relevant aspect of the undertaking, including historic‑property effects, alternatives, procedural concerns, and the proposed deployment of the vessel.

As an official consulting party, we are participating directly in this review. The notice invites public input, and the public is fully entitled to comment on the issues they believe are important.

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

Dear Supporters,

Public Comment Period Now Open - SS United States

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has initiated a 15-day public comment period as part of its ongoing federal review of the proposed sinking of the SS United States.

This review is being conducted under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, which applies to actions affecting historic properties.

The Corps has determined that the vessel remains historically significant and that the proposed action would result in adverse effects.

The public comment period is limited to 15 days and will close on March 28, 2026.

Public input is now being accepted and will be included in the official record before any final decisions are made.

How to submit a comment:

1. Visit: https://t.co/kEL6OzbKI9
2. Under “State,” select Florida (FL)
3. In the search bar, enter: SAJ-1996-03565
4. Click the comment icon next to the notice
5. Complete and submit the form

Every submission becomes part of the federal record.
The future of the SS United States is now open for public input.

As a federally recognized Consulting Party, the SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc. is providing this information to ensure the public has access to and can participate in this process.

We remain fully committed to pursuing all available paths to protect and secure a future for the SS United States.

Thank you for your continued support to preserve history for future generations.

- SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc.

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

For Immediate Release
SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc Releases Video Comparing County Statements to Submitted Environmental Findings

North Palm Beach, FL — February 2026 — The SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc has released a documentary‑style video excerpt from the January 6, 2026, Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners meeting, highlighting the contrast between statements made during the meeting and the environmental findings submitted into the public record.

During public comment, Foundation Vice President Steve Perry submitted independent laboratory results from York Analytical Laboratories documenting the presence of Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6) aboard the SS United States. These findings were provided to the County as part of ongoing discussions regarding the vessel’s proposed reefing.

The video presents, in sequence:

Statements made by County officials regarding available environmental reports

The publicly released County memo referencing PCB sampling

An email from a county aide describing the documentation in hand

The independent laboratory results submitted by the Foundation

The County’s response during public comment

The purpose of the release is to allow the public to review the statements and materials side‑by‑side, in full context, as they were presented during the meeting.

“Florida law guarantees the public the right to speak at local government meetings,” said a Foundation spokesperson. “This video simply documents the exchange as it occurred and provides the public with direct access to the materials referenced.”

The Foundation emphasized that all documents shown in the video are public records or publicly released materials. The video contains no editorial commentary; captions are limited to factual labels identifying documents, timestamps, and meeting context. Its structure allows viewers to independently compare what was said with what was found.

The full meeting video is available at: https://t.co/qdIkvSgF7T

The Foundation’s excerpted documentary segment can be viewed at: https://t.co/DcFsiLO3MA

Related scientific testimony from Dr. Todd Osborne, PhD, submitted separately for public transparency, can be viewed here: https://t.co/Fcrh3z0EQX

The SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc remains committed to transparency, public engagement, and the responsible handling of environmental information related to the vessel’s future.

Media Contact:
SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc

[email protected]

https://t.co/lZzbJvQ9BU

https://t.co/XDcilMlXVU

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc Releases Expert Testimony and Documentation Regarding Proposed Scuttling of the SS United States in Florida Waters

North palm Beach, FL — The SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc. (SSUSPF) has released the full, unedited expert testimony of Dr. Todd Z. Osborne, Professor of Estuarine and Aquatic Biogeochemistry at the University of Florida’s Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and faculty member in the Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department at UF.

This testimony was formally submitted as part of an Agenda Item Request for the January 20, 2026, Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meeting. The materials were not placed on the public record during that meeting.

To ensure transparency and public access to the scientific information prepared for the County, SSUSPF is releasing the full video testimony, transcript, and timeline of submission.

Full Video Testimony:
https://t.co/sJzJWtGhGq

Expert Findings
In his recorded testimony and accompanying scientific documentation, Dr. Osborne outlines significant environmental concerns associated with the proposed scuttling of the SS United States as an artificial reef, including:

The presence of an estimated 59,334 lbs of zinc chromate (ZnCrO₄) within the vessel’s original corrosion‑resistant coatings.

The classification of hexavalent chromium compounds as CERCLA hazardous substances with a reportable quantity of 10 lbs.

Under federal law (CERCLA 40 CFR 302.4), the reportable quantity for chromium(VI) compounds is 10 pounds. The National Response Center hotline for reporting hazardous substance releases is 1‑800‑424‑8802.

The potential for long‑term contamination of sediments, bioaccumulation in marine organisms, and risks to seafood safety.

The likelihood of substantial remediation costs should contamination occur, including the possibility of federal Superfund involvement.

Dr. Osborne emphasized that his analysis was conducted without compensation, out of professional responsibility and concern for Florida’s coastal ecosystems.

Timeline of Submission
January 6, 2026 — During public comment at the January 6 Okaloosa County Commission meeting, SSUSPF Vice President Steve Perry stated on the public record that SSUSPF would be submitting an Agenda Item Request for the January 20 meeting.

January 12, 2026 — SSUSPF sent a formal email to the County requesting the matter be made an Agenda Item for the January 20, 2026, BCC to be held at the Shalimar location. No response has been received to date.

January 20, 2026 — The Shalimar Board meeting proceeded without Dr. Osborne’s testimony being placed on the public record. The County’s lack of response to SSUSPF’s Agenda Item Request was again raised publicly by SSUSPF Co‑Founder, Chief Communications Officer, and federally recognized Section 106 consulting party, Carlos Camacho Jr. During his public comment, Mr. Camacho informed the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners of his role in the United States Army Corps of Engineers permit SAJ‑1996‑03565 and the ongoing Section 106 Review of the SS United States. He then delivered his public comment for the record.

The video and minutes documenting this exchange are publicly available on the County’s website and YouTube page, as are all other meetings in which SSUSPF has provided public comment.

To maintain transparency, SSUSPF is releasing all materials publicly.

Commitment to Transparency
SSUSPF remains committed to ensuring that all scientific, environmental, and procedural information related to the proposed deployment of the SS United States is accessible to the public, regulatory agencies, and elected officials.

“Our goal is to ensure that decisions affecting Florida’s coastal waters are informed by complete, accurate, and scientifically grounded information,” the Foundation stated. “We welcome questions from all parties and will continue to provide transparent, factual updates.”

About the SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc.
The SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible stewardship, preservation, and public understanding of the SS United States — safeguarding both her environmental footprint and her historical legacy. The Foundation serves as a federally recognized consulting party in the ongoing Section 106 Review of the SS United States and works to ensure that decisions affecting the vessel and Florida’s coastal waters are informed by complete, accurate, and scientifically grounded information.

For more information, Email: [email protected]

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

Tonight, as America enters her 250th year, we remember the generations who carried this nation forward when the odds were long and the future was unclear. They built a country through courage, sacrifice, and a belief that history would judge their actions worthy of the moment. Their spirit is the inheritance we carry into this anniversary.

The SS United States, our First Lady of the seas, stands as a reminder of what America can achieve when its people refuse to let their legacy fade. She embodies the strength, innovation, and resolve that defined our rise as a nation. That story deserves defenders.

This milestone calls us to rise with the same conviction. We stand against the tides that would erase our heritage. We stand for the truth that America’s story is preserved by those who choose to act when it matters most. America’s legacy is not a relic. It is a responsibility.

We call on Congress and the President to adopt Resolution 649-A, enact the America 250 Maritime Heritage Act, and sign the Great American Comeback Executive Order. Let America 250 be remembered for the legacy we strengthened, not the opportunities we allowed to slip away.

And so, we ask a question worthy of this anniversary.
How will history write your name in this moment
when the legacy of a nation hangs in the balance?

Join the fight to protect America’s legacy.
Visit our website, add your name to the petition, make a contribution if you’re able, and contact Congress and the White House to demand action.
Every voice strengthens the cause.

https://t.co/dGvulLuJSB

#America250 #SSUnitedStates #SaveTheShip #AmericanLegacy #MaritimeHeritage #WeWontGiveUpTheShip #GreatAmericanComeback ❤️✊🇺🇸

@realDonaldTrump @POTUS @VP @JDVance @FLOTUS @WhiteHouse @GovRonDeSantis @RepDonaldsPress @Interior @DeptofWar @USDOT @DOTMARAD

[SS United States Preservation Foundation Inc @SSUSPF488]

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.