Florida has a new official state flagship
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On Thursday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 249, redesignating the S.S. American Victory as the state’s flagship, replacing the schooner Western Union.
“I was proud to sign HB 249 to designate Florida’s new state flagship, the S.S. American Victory,” DeSantis said in a statement. “This historic steamship is one of just a few surviving Victory Class ships built during World War II.”
Built in 1945, the S.S. American Victory transported supplies to U.S. forces during World War II and later served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Today, the ship is permanently docked in Tampa, where it operates as a museum and memorial.
DeSantis noted the designation comes as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, calling it “a great time to visit our new state flagship.”
