USS Sequoia (presidential yacht)
USS Sequoia is a former United States presidential yacht used from Herbert Hoover to Jimmy Carter, who had it sold in 1977. The ship was decommissioned under Roosevelt and lost its "USS" status at that time, but by popular convention is still often used. NorshipCo, a Norfolk-based shipbuilder and dry-docking company, repossessed the yacht after its owners, Presidential Yacht Sequoia Foundation, failed to pay the $3 million it cost to renovate the vessel. In June 2000, she was sold via auction on Bid4Assets. In November 2004 she was sought for repurchase by the US government but today remains privately owned by Gary Silversmith, who has owned her since September 2000.
The yacht is 104 feet (32 m) long, with a wooden hull, and was designed by John Trumpy Sr., a well-known shipbuilder. It includes a presidential stateroom, guest bedrooms, a galley and dining room, and was at one time retrofitted with an elevator for Franklin D. Roosevelt (Lyndon Johnson had it removed and replaced with a liquor bar).
The ship was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
Read more about USS Sequoia (presidential yacht): Construction, U.S. Government Service, Controversy, After Decommissioning