And now for some WW1 merchant ships. During WW1 the US had tackled the problem of merchant ships losses by building masses of ships, the than US Shipping Board being responsible for the design as well as construction of the ships. The problem of trooping was solved by the 1029 design, better known as the 535' type. These ships were designed as transports, but none wee completed in time for war service, and so many were completed as luxurious passenger ships. In 1921 and 1922 when all were completed they were first operated by various shipping companies on behalf of the USSB and later some were transfered to the various companies.
The SS Hawkeye state as completed. Serving for nearly 30 years in merchant service she was acquired by the US navy in 1941, and was converted into a troopship. Serving as troopship during operation Torch she was sunk by a German U-boat on 12 November 1942
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Thank you Kim for the crest
"Never fear to try on something new. Remember that the Titanic was built by professionals, and the Ark by an amateur"