SS United States - August 19, 2026 Update

Mark Perry's Oceanliner and SS United States Collection Auction:

The big event since my last update was not directly about the ship but about the auction sale Sunday, August 16 of the Mark Perry Collection. In size it was the biggest SS United States sale of memorabilia since the Guernsey auction in 1984. And this one was meticulously curated and included an amazing array of models. Fascinating to see some of what one dedicated collector was able to put together. Well done Mark and Hughes Auctions!

The highest price paid was for this SS United States life ring that sold for $32,000.

Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners:

There continue to be no SS United States Reefing Project items requiring Board attention or vote. On 10 August the County Board posted photos of the three partner plaques installed the week before aboard the SS United States (Coastal Conservation Association of Florida, Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida and the Divers Alert Network). The County stated “No date has been set yet for deployment.” This was immediately followed by comments asking if there is a reefing date!! No! There isn’t!!

New York Coalition:

As widely rumored, and confirmed by Coalition sources, the Coalition’s “Science Officer” Matt Lesiw has left and reportedly joined the Preservation Foundation. No other details to hand but he was removed from the Coalition “Who We Are Page” last week. Mr. Lesiw had been the Coalition designee as Consulting Party to the now-concluded Army Corps Section 106 review of the reefing of the SS United States. He had stated 30 July that the Corps decision in the matter was being “challenged soon”; how and by whom we may never know just as it’s not apparent that any Coalition projects are being left undone since his departure.

SSUS Preservation Foundation:

Foundation VP Steve Perry attended the August 5 meeting of the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) to comment on the Coastal Corridor Initiative, their joint undertaking with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Foundation (sponsors of one of the three plaques placed on the ship two weeks ago). Mr. Perry chose to use his 3 minutes building up to the case against zinc chromate. The FWC is far less lenient than the Okaloosa Board and abruptly cut his mic at 3 minutes before he got to whatever point he was trying to make. Thirteen days later, Mr. Perry spoke twice at the August 18 OKC meeting focusing on diver safety and zinc chromate as reasons not to reef the SSUS but did not mention any Foundation initiatives about actually saving her.” It’s entirely the Foundation’s business if it wishes Steve Perry to be its solo public face. As they pursue their current “free” membership drive (were there paid memberships we missed?), we’ll see where this gets them.

The stem anchor resting on the deck is the last historical item slated for removal.

In the absence of substantive news from other sources, these updates have generally been timed to the typically bi-monthly Okaloosa County Board meetings. It’s probably appropriate to shift to, say, a schedule of the 1st and 15th. Either way I appreciate your increasing tips, leads and questions.