FROM I-275 NORTHBOUND: Take the Downtown East (Scott Street EXIT 25). Continue straight on Scott Street to Orange/Jefferson Street Right on Jefferson (which becomes Pierce Street) to Twiggs Street. Left on Twiggs Street to Channelside Drive. Right on Channelside Drive to York Street. Left on York Street to the Florida Aquarium Parking Lot.

Named after American University in Washington, D.C. and launched in June 1945, the SS American Victory served as one of 414 Victory ships constructed during World War II. As a replacement for the Liberty ships, the Victory class offered greater speed and hull flexibility, leading to the loss of fewer ships.

During World War II, shipment of eighty-five percent of the Allied war materiel is credited to the Merchant Marine. To honor the vital role of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the U.S. Navy Armed Guard in achieving victory, reconditioning began in 1999 to convert this vessel to a memorial. Saved from scrap, the SS American Victory is designed as both a static and dynamic museum and memorial. Visitors tour a vessel with much of the World War II equipment still present, particularly on the bridge. Other features of this display include a cruise in the Gulf of Mexico, during which a simulated attack by enemy aircraft occurs. Training and certification of U.S. Coast Guard licensed and certificated personnel will also be performed on this ship.