The Maritime Preservation & Training Foundation, Ltd. (originally "Maritime Pastoral Training Foundation, Ltd." ) was founded as a non-profit charity in February 2018. The Internal Revenue Service confirmed MPTF's 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status on March 18, 2018.  On March 27, 2020, MPTF purchased Liberty Maritime, Inc. of Sacramento, CA's  Vietnam War gunboat, PTF-26, intending to build on its impressive 20 year record as operational museum ship and Sea Scout training vessel with an award-winning all-female crew.  On Monday, August 12, 2024 PTF-26 completed an epic 7,130 mile relocation voyage in Golconda, Illinois.  Plans call for PTF-26 to host weekend training for Sea Cadets, NJROTC Cadets and Sea Scouts from throughout the region, and conduct week-long cadet training cruises on the river in Summer 2026.