The SS American Victory Opens Her Hatches for Maritime Day and Armed Forces Day Observances and Launch of National Safe Boating Week

The SS American Victory. a World War II era merchant cargo vessel currently under restoration into a mariner's museum and cruising ship, holds its version of National Maritime Day Observance on Saturday, May 17. The observance honors America's Merhcant Marine, which has been instrmental in supplying our country's fighting forces for 227 years. The observance, on board the 58 year old vessel, includes a tribute to America's military, as part of Armed Forces Day. The evnets also incldues the Tampa Bay area launch of Natioanl Safe Boating Week, sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The SS American Victory is hosting her fourth annual National Maritime Day and Armed Forces Observance on Saturday, May 17. To mark this special day, the ship is open to the public at no charge for observance events and the popular Restoration Tours.

The ship opens to the public at 10 AM for self-guided Restoration Tours; National Maritime Day/Armed Forces Day ceremonies begin at 11 AM.

In addition, the ship is co-sponsoring the Tampa Bay launch of National Safe Boating Week with the U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary. Safe Boating Week activities begin at 12 Noon.

The National Maritime Day and Armed Forces Day observances will include a keynote address by RADM John Stewart, USN, Vice Commander, Military Sealift Command, Washington, DC, remarks by a U.S. Central Command flag officer and memorial services honoring Americas Merchant Marine and Armed Forces. In-water demonstrations by the Coast Guard, harbor tugs, hovercraft, the Tampa Fire Rescue fireboat, the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Marine Unit and other vessels will follow the ceremonies.    

National Safe Boating Week activities will include marlinspike seamanship and vessel pollution and damage control demonstrations and heaving line throw competitions, designed especially to involve kids of all ages. Information about the proper use of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and Auxiliary boating safety classes will also be available.

A picnic lunch will be available after the ceremonies. Admittance to the ship is free, but reservations for the program are recommended. Call (813) 228-8766 or e-mail to AMVIC@americanvictory.org with 'Maritime Day Reservation in the subject line before May 15. More information will be available at www.americanvictory.org.

National Maritime Day (officially May 22 each year) was established by Congress in 1933 to annually promote public awareness of the nations maritime heritage. The date honors the departure of the first transatlantic voyage by a U.S. flag steamship, the SS Savannah, on May 22, 1819.

The historic American Victory, built in 1945 served during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. The vessel underwent sea trials on March 6 in preparation for unique 'Relive History cruises on Tampa Bay, scheduled to begin in mid to late July.

The American Victory is located in Tampas Channelside District, adjacent to the Florida Aquarium. Parking is available in The Florida Aquarium parking lot off York Street.

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