[8] The thought of having a wooden boat that could easily catch fire was not appealing to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who as a child witnessed his aunt burn to death in an oil lamp accident.

[5] Electra was officially renamed USS Potomac on January 30, 1936, converted to serve as a presidential yacht and commissioned into the United States Navy on March 2, 1936.

[8] These upgrades included the conversion of the aft smokestack to a false one, a new salon, installation of brass fixtures, the presidential stateroom and bath, three guest cabins and teak decks.

Potomac then sailed for Apponagansett Bay, Massachusetts, where the president did some fishing and entertained guests including Crown Princess Märtha of Norway.

During this meeting, Roosevelt and Churchill agreed to the Atlantic Charter, laying out the principles of the Allied partnership during World War II and setting the scene for the United Nations to plan the post-war peace.

In the meantime and for security purposes, the President's flag continued to be flown from Potomac while she transited the Cape Cod Canal in New England waters.

A Secret Service man, approximating the president in size and affecting his mannerisms when visible from a distance, played a starring role in the deception.

Press releases issued daily from Potomac led all who read them to believe that the president was really embarked on a pleasure cruise on his yacht.

[14] Potomac was sold to Warren G. Toone in April 1960 and ostensibly used as a private ferry boat between Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

In reality she was used for offshore gambling.In 1962, there was a failed attempt to attend the World's Fair in Seattle due to engine trouble in Long Beach.

[7] In January 1964 she was purchased by Elvis Presley for US$55,000 as a gift to the March of Dimes, so they could auction it, but they kindly declined and therefore it was then offered to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in Memphis, to sell as a fund raiser.

[15] With a $2.5 million government grant, James Roosevelt, FDR's eldest son, and the Association began restoring Potomac.

[5] She continues to be berthed at Jack London Square and preserved by the Potomac Association, chaired by Michael Roosevelt, a grandson of FDR.

Actors Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams and others shot scenes aboard the yacht while docked and under way.