USS Potomac (AG-25), formerly USCGC Electra, was Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidential yacht from 1936 until his death in 1945. On 3 August 1941, she played a decoy role while Roosevelt held a secret conference to develop the Atlantic Charter.

USS Potomac and are the last two existing U.S. presidential yachts, after was scrapped in January 2016. that served in anti-bootlegging operations. She was chosen to be the new presidential yacht after the Secret Service deemed a fire hazard. The thought of having a wooden boat that could easily catch fire was not appealing to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who as a child witnessed his aunt burn to death in an oil lamp accident. He also wanted a vessel in which he could move independently and take fishing trips. An antiaircraft machine gun was installed and mounted when the president was on board. The ship now commissioned USS Potomac was categorized as AG-25, indicating the Navy ship designation of Auxiliary Miscellaneous and number 25th in this designation, Ship logs have been recovered documenting voyages to the Gulf of Mexico and Dry Tortugas, Florida. On 28 March 1941, President Roosevelt delivered a fireside chat to the nation from the radio room of USS Potomac in which he stated "the time calls for courage and more courage." After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the yacht was considered a potential target and used more cautiously by the president.

Potomac was sold to Warren G. Toone in April 1960 and ostensibly used as a private ferry boat between Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In reality she was used for offshore gambling. In 1962, there was a failed attempt to attend the World's Fair in Seattle due to engine trouble in Long Beach. With a $2.5 million government grant, James Roosevelt, FDR's eldest son, and the Association began restoring Potomac. In April 1993, she sailed her first cruise as a restored vessel.

A team of volunteers, crew and donors work to uphold the legacy of the historic presidential yacht.

Awards

  • American Defense Service Medal
  • American Campaign Medal
  • World War II Victory Medal

See also

  • List of official vehicles of the president of the United States, which includes the other presidential yachts

References

;Notes

;Bibliography

  • History - USS Potomac http://www.usspotomac.org/history The Potomac Association
  • Official site