American Victory Ship
One of Tampa’s local treasures is also a national treasure that connects us to the past. When the Navy cargo ship American Victory was sitting in Virginia destined for the scrapyard, Captain John C. Timmel arranged for its rescue to live on as a floating museum. One of only three WWII-era Victory-model ships still fully operational, it is open most days of the week for self-guided tours. Not only does it connect us to the past and provide educational benefit, but it serves as a reminder of the efforts of those that kept American soldiers fed, armed, and equipped in Europe, the Pacific, Korea, and Vietnam.
It’s like the game pieces in the Axis-And-Allies board game – only bigger. You can walk around deck and see the giant anchor and big guns. Inside is the kitchen and insulated food storage. Somewhere a radio plays 1940’s-era music. Down below there is a collection of various model ships, artifacts, and information placards. Take your picture next to giant bullets and shells taller than most children.
A history of the ship can be found on the website, including the tale of how American Victory broke up sea ice for other ships while leaving a Soviet port despite not being designed for it.
To get to American Victory, take Channelside Avenue in Tampa to the rotary and turn into the entrance for the Florida Aquarium. At the stop sign, take a right and head for the water. Free parking is just around the corner. Take the self-guided tour or call ahead to schedule a docent.
Visit Website
It’s like the game pieces in the Axis-And-Allies board game – only bigger. You can walk around deck and see the giant anchor and big guns. Inside is the kitchen and insulated food storage. Somewhere a radio plays 1940’s-era music. Down below there is a collection of various model ships, artifacts, and information placards. Take your picture next to giant bullets and shells taller than most children.
A history of the ship can be found on the website, including the tale of how American Victory broke up sea ice for other ships while leaving a Soviet port despite not being designed for it.
To get to American Victory, take Channelside Avenue in Tampa to the rotary and turn into the entrance for the Florida Aquarium. At the stop sign, take a right and head for the water. Free parking is just around the corner. Take the self-guided tour or call ahead to schedule a docent.
Visit Website
Written by Daniel Noe