Florida designated the official state flagship.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 249, redesignating Florida’s official state flagship as the S.S. American Victory, replacing the schooner Western Union.
The S.S. American Victory, built in 1945 in just 55 days, delivered supplies to U.S. forces in World War II and continued service through the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Today, it is permanently docked in Tampa as a museum and memorial.
“I was proud to sign HB 249 to designate Florida’s new state flagship, the S.S. American Victory,” said Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. “This historic steamship is one of just a few surviving Victory Class ships built during World War II. As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding this year, it’s a great time to visit our new state flagship in Tampa.”
This historic steamship is one of just a few surviving Victory Class ships built during World War II. The S.S. American Victory was deployed in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, and has been in Tampa since 1999.
Visitors can explore the interior of the S.S. American Victory and honor the memory of those who served the country. As the state commemorates the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding this year, it’s a great time to visit the official Florida flagship in Tampa.
The Governor also noted that Florida is one of the most military and Veteran friendly states in the nation. 1.5 million Veterans call Florida home, there are 21 military installations across the state, and there are 65,000+ active-duty service members plus tens of thousands of military families.
