Two military veterans are departing from Ditto Landing in Huntsville, Alabama, to attempt the fastest publicly documented completion of America’s Great Loop. The crew will travel aboard Freedom Fighter, a former U.S. Coast Guard SAFE Boat Defender vessel, following a send-off celebration on July 24 at 10:00 a.m. The timed record attempt officially begins on July 25.
Organized by the nonprofit Veterans Against Suicide Inc., the 6,000-mile mission aims to raise awareness about veteran suicide and encourage affected individuals to seek help. Mission leader David Skrzecz, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces veteran, founded the organization to keep national attention on veteran suicide statistics and emphasize post-service purpose.
The crew also includes Michael “Buch” Bucher, a retired U.S. Air Force Security Forces veteran. Operating in rotating shifts, the two-man team plans to navigate continuously day and night through an interconnected system of rivers, lakes, canals, coastal passages, and open water surrounding the eastern United States.
To establish a new record, the team must complete the route in less than 12 days, 18 hours, and 10 minutes, which stands as the current fastest publicly documented Great Loop completion time. The navigation path presents a variety of challenging inland and coastal waterways along North America’s iconic boating route.
Community leaders, supporters, family members, and volunteers are gathering in Alabama to mark the launch. Information regarding live tracking, mission updates, and organization fundraising is being hosted through the Veterans Against Suicide website.
Follow us on social media
Facebook • Instagram • Tiktok • Newsbreak
Visit our other sites
Finding Connecticut • Finding New York City • Finding The Hudson Valley • Finding Lehigh Valley • Finding Westport
