The boat was officially purchased in October 2025 and became the centerpiece of the Freedom Fighter Project under Veterans Against Suicide.

The boat was officially purchased in October 2025 and became the centerpiece of the Freedom Fighter Project under Veterans Against Suicide.

In July 2024, the process to acquire the vessel began, with a vision to transform her into a symbol of awareness, resilience, and continued service for veterans.

After years of duty, the boat was officially decommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard in 2011, marking the end of her service as an active rescue vessel. Later that same year, the U.S. Coast Guard donated the vessel to the Village, preserving the boat for future use rather than retirement or disposal.

The Freedom Fighter was purpose-built in 2002 as a SAFE Boat Defender for the U.S. Coast Guard. Designed for high-speed response and rescue operations, the vessel served on the front lines of maritime safety.