American Victory Ship and Museum

Tampa, Florida: Nestled between the cruise ships in the Port of Tampa sits a historic vessel, the SS American Victory. One of only four remaining operational World War II vessels, the American Victory has seen action in three wars and while her naval service is over, she continues to serve by telling the story of the merchant marines

The American Victory was a Victory class ship with a long history. She was built in 1945 at the California Shipbuilding Yard and was named after the American University in Washington DC. The 455 feet long, 10,750 ton ship took just 55 days to build. The shop served in World War II running military cargo into the Pacific theater. She also ferried equipment to South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Between military engagements, the ship was in the reserve fleet and was even used at one point as an ice breaker in the Black Sea.

The American Victory served the nation proudly from 1951 through 1969 before going into reserve storage in the James River Reserve Fleet. During its service, the ship survived two typhoons, a hurricane and sailed around the world twice. By 1985, the American Victory saw its naval life come to an end and was slated for destruction with other victory class ships. But history preservationists stepped in and saved the American Victory. They brought her to Tampa and begin a preservation effort that returned her to fully operational status as well as to serve as a museum ship and memorial. In 1999, the American Victory Ship and Museum was opened. She sits dockside at the Port of Tampa as just 1 of the 3 remaining Victory Class ships out of 534 built. To preserve the history of this great ship, the American Victory was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today you can visit and tour the American Victory. Your self-guided tour begins as you climb the starboard gangway into the museum’s reception area, a former cargo hold. Here you will find the Maritime Museum, a gallery dedicated to the merchant marines. From there you can travel up the steps and onto the deck of the ship. From here you can tour the gun decks, crew quarters, galley, hospital, engine room, radio room, bridge and more. If you are lucky enough, you can even go on one of the two yearly sailings of the American Victory.

The American Victory Ship and Museum is located at 705 Channelside Drive in the Port of Tampa. It is open daily until 5. Admission to the museum is $10 for adults with discounts available for veterans, seniors, children and students.

Chick on the photo above to view the American Victory Ship and Museum photo gallery

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