The USS President Lincoln-- Part 1: Former German Ship

From Wikipedia.

Formerly a German steamer built by Harland and Wolff, Belfast in 1907. Seized in New York Harbor in 1917 and turned over to to the Shipping Board and transferred to the U.S. navy for use as a troop transport.

The ship had been severely damaged by its German crew before being seized and it took a long time to repair.  It was commissioned 25 July 1917, with Commander Yates Stirling Jr. in command.

Later, Percy Wright Foote took command.It made five voyages to Europe and carried approximately 23,000 troops.

On its last trip, it sailed from New York City on 10 May 1918 and arrived in Brest, France, 23 May and disembarked troops.  It got underway 29 May for its return trip and was sunk 31 May 1918.

Of the 715 aboard, 26 lost their lives.

The ship was 619 feet long with a 68 foot beam.  Crew was 430 officers and enlisted.  Armed with four 6-inch guns.

--Cooter