USS Sequoia (presidential yacht)  USS "Sequoia" is the former presidential yacht used during the administrations of Herbert Hoover through Gerald Ford and then sold by Jimmy Carter. Often called the “floating White House”, the "Sequoia" offered presidents, first families and high-ranking government officials a place to escape the complexities of official life while also serving as the backdrop for significant moments of 20th-century American history. A Congressional Resolution passed December 1985 stated, “Sequoia was the setting for Presidential meetings, negotiations and decisions of extraordinary significance for and effect on the history of the United States and the course of world events” and “recognized the unique significance of the former Presidential yacht Sequoia which has made her a symbol of American political heritage and the Office of the President”. "Sequoia" was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987 and according to a statement made by the President of The Mystic Seaport Museum to the New York Times, "The Sequoia is probably the most significant artifact of presidential importance that is in private hands". Formally decommissioned on December 9, 1935, by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the Sequoia continues to carry its “USS” designation. The "Sequoia" is believed to have been named by her original owner, Emily Roebling Cadwalader, after Sequoyah, a leader of the Cherokee Nation. Designed by John Trumpy and built by the famed John H. Mathis & Company Shipbuilders in Camden, New Jersey, "Sequoia" was completed at a cost of approximately $200,000 and launched October 27, 1925. Originally named the "Sequoia II," she was the second of four successively larger yachts built between 1924 and 1931 for Mr. and Mrs. Richard McCall Cadwalader of Philadelphia. The Cadwalader’s third and fourth yachts were named "Savarona" and "Savarona II", respectively. At 104 feet in length, "Sequoia IIs" hull was originally constructed of long-leaf yellow pine on white oak frames and her deckhouse of mahogany and teak. She is capable of comfortably sleeping eight guests in her three double and two single staterooms, has ample crew quarters and can seat 22 for formal dinners. Richard Cadwalader was a prominent Philadelphia banker and his wife, Emily Roebling Cadwalader, was an heiress to the Roebling fortune.