USS Potomac (AG-25) facts for kids
USS Potomac at Oakland, California
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| History | |
|---|---|
 United States |
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| Name | USCGC Electra |
| Builder | Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company, Manitowoc, Wisconsin |
| Laid down | 5 March 1934 |
| Launched | 30 June 1934 |
| Commissioned | 25 October 1934 |
| Identification |
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| Fate | Transferred to the Navy, 8 November 1935 |
 United States |
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| Name | USS Potomac |
| Namesake | Potomac River |
| Acquired | 8 November 1935 |
| Commissioned | 1936 |
| Decommissioned | 15 November 1945 |
| Renamed | Potomac, 30 January 1936 |
| Reclassified | AG-25, 11 November 1935 |
| Stricken | 25 February 1946 |
| Fate | Returned to the Coast Guard, 23 November 1945 |
| Status | Museum ship |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Thetis-class patrol boat |
| Displacement |
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| Length | 165 ft (50 m) |
| Beam | 23 ft 9 in (7.24 m) |
| Draft | 8 ft 1 in (2.46 m) |
| Propulsion |
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| Speed | 13 knots (24 km/h; 15 mph) |
| Complement | 45 |
| Armament | 1 × 3"/23 caliber gun |
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USS Potomac
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 Location in Oakland, California
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | Jack London Square, Oakland, California |
| Built | 1934 |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000068 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | 20 February 1987 |
| Designated NHL | 14 December 1990 |
The USS Potomac (AG-25) was once known as the USCGC Electra. This special ship served as the presidential yacht for Franklin D. Roosevelt, one of America's most famous presidents. He used it from 1936 until he passed away in 1945.
One important moment for the Potomac happened on August 3, 1941. It played a clever trick to hide President Roosevelt's secret meeting. During this meeting, he worked with Winston Churchill to create the Atlantic Charter. This important agreement helped shape the Allied partnership during World War II.
Today, the USS Potomac is one of only two U.S. presidential yachts still around. It is kept safe in Oakland, California, as a National Historic Landmark. You can even visit it, as it's the only presidential yacht open to the public!
Contents
The Potomac Story: From Patrol Boat to Presidential Yacht
Building a Ship: The Electra Years (1934-1935)
The Potomac was built in 1934 by the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. It was first named the United States Coast Guard Cutter Electra. The ship started its service on October 25, 1934.
As the Electra, it was a submarine chaser and helped stop illegal activities like bootlegging. This meant it patrolled waters to catch people trying to bring illegal goods into the country.
President Roosevelt's Floating White House (1936-1945)
President Franklin D. Roosevelt chose the Electra to be his new presidential yacht. He wanted a safer ship because his previous yacht, the USS Sequoia, was made of wood and could catch fire easily. Roosevelt also needed a ship that was easy for him to move around in, especially for fishing trips.
The Electra was officially renamed USS Potomac on January 30, 1936. It was then changed to fit the President's needs and joined the United States Navy on March 2, 1936.
Special Features for the President
The ship received many upgrades to make it comfortable and accessible for President Roosevelt, who used a wheelchair. A special elevator was hidden inside one of the smokestacks. This elevator used a pulley system to help the President move between decks.
The back of the ship, called the fantail, had a large leather couch and bulletproof glass. The couch was designed so the President could sit comfortably with his legs supported. An anti-aircraft machine gun was also added for safety when the President was on board.
Important Meetings and Royal Visits
President Roosevelt used the USS Potomac often for fishing trips and informal political meetings. It was a place where leaders could talk and make important decisions. In 1939, British King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited the Roosevelts on the Potomac. They sailed to George Washington's home at Mount Vernon. This was the first time British royalty had visited an American president.
The Potomac was known as the "Floating White House" because so much important work happened on board.
A Secret Mission During World War II
On August 3, 1941, President Roosevelt left Washington for a secret meeting. The Potomac sailed to New London, Connecticut, where the President boarded. The ship then traveled to Apponagansett Bay, Massachusetts, where Roosevelt fished and hosted guests.
Later, the President secretly transferred from the Potomac to a larger warship, the USS Augusta. The Augusta then sped off to Newfoundland for a secret meeting between Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. During this meeting, they created the Atlantic Charter, which set out the goals for the Allies in World War II.
To keep the meeting a secret, the President's flag continued to fly from the Potomac. A Secret Service agent, who looked like the President, pretended to be him on board. This made everyone believe the President was still on a pleasure cruise. After the important meeting, the Augusta brought the President back to the Potomac on August 14.
After President Roosevelt passed away, the Potomac was returned to the United States Coast Guard in November 1945.
Life After the Presidency (1945-Present)
New Owners and New Roles (1945-1980)
After Roosevelt, President Harry S. Truman chose a different, larger yacht. He found the Potomac too small and uncomfortable in rough waters. So, the Coast Guard officially stopped using the Potomac on May 23, 1946.
The Potomac then served with the Maryland Tidewater Fisheries Commission until 1960. It was one of many boats used to help manage fishing in the area. The special smokestack-elevator shaft that helped President Roosevelt move around was removed. It now stands as a monument in Cambridge, Maryland.
The ship was sold in 1960 and used as a private ferry boat. In 1964, Elvis Presley bought the Potomac for US$55,000. He wanted to give it to the March of Dimes charity to help them raise money, but they politely declined. He then offered it to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which sold the yacht for US$65,000 that same year.
A New Beginning: Restoration and Museum Ship (1980-Present)
In 1980, the Potomac was involved in an incident that led to it being seized by the United States Customs Service. It was towed to Treasure Island, where it later sank due to problems with its hull.
The U.S. Navy refloated the ship just two weeks later. It was then sold to the Port of Oakland for $15,000.
The Association for the Preservation of the Presidential Yacht Potomac
In 1983, a non-profit group called the Association for the Preservation of the Presidential Yacht Potomac was formed. Their goal was to restore and operate the yacht. With a $2.5 million government grant, James Roosevelt, President FDR's oldest son, and the Association began the restoration work.
In April 1993, the Potomac sailed its first cruise as a fully restored vessel. In the summer of 1995, it opened to the public at Jack London Square in Oakland, becoming an important historical attraction.
Today, volunteers, crew, and donors continue to care for this historic presidential yacht. It remains docked at Jack London Square and is preserved by the Potomac Association, now chaired by Michael Roosevelt, a grandson of FDR. You can take tours of the ship while it's docked or even go on cruises around San Francisco Bay.
Awards
- American Defense Service Medal
- American Campaign Medal
- World War II Victory Medal
See also
- USS Sequoia (presidential yacht)
- List of official vehicles of the president of the United States, which includes other presidential yachts
