TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A bill filed in the Florida House of Representatives proposes the redesignation of the S.S. American Victory as the official state flagship.
HB 249 would replace the schooner Western Union with the S.S. American Victory.
The S.S. American Victory is a 455-foot historic steamship built in 1944. It served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
The ship repatriated 260 casualties, including three fallen Floridians, during the Korean War.
According to the bill, it is one of only five operational World War II merchant vessels left in the United States.
Currently, the S.S. American Victory is an interactive maritime museum in Tampa.
The bill highlights the ship’s service in combat as well as supporting military charities and community organizations.
The act would take effect on July 1, 2026.
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