Ship History
Built by Bethlehem Steel Company in Sparrows Point, Maryland. Laid down October 3, 1918 as a Design 1029 with Yard Number 418 as a troop transports to be named SS Bertice for the United States Shipping Board (USSB). During 1919 renamed Buckeye State and changed to a passenger liner as World War I had ended. Launched July 24, 1920 as SS Buckeye State. Completed April 30, 1921 and the same day acquired by Matson Navigation Company. In 1923 acquired by Pacific Mail Steamship Company and renamed SS President Taft. In 1925 acquired by Dollar Steamship Company, later renamed American President Lines.
Wartime History
On June 17, 1941 acquired by the U.S. War Department for use as a U.S. Army transport and renamed USAT Willard A. Holbrook. Designated AP-44 by the U.S. Navy (USN) but never taken over, and remained under Army control for the duration of World War II.
Fate
During 1957 sold for scrap and broken up.
References
Racing the Sunrise: Reinforcing America's Pacific Outposts, 1941–1942 pages 50, 52, 54, 147, 151-152, 154-155, 157, 163, 167, 170, 172, 174, 394 (index)
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Last Updated
February 11, 2025
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