SS Pennsylvanian

SS Pennsylvanian: A Cargo Ship’s Journey Through War and Peace

Imagine a ship that could have witnessed the dawn of two world wars, carrying cargo across vast oceans and through turbulent times. The SS Pennsylvanian was such a vessel. Built in 1913 for American-Hawaiian Steamship Company, this sturdy cargo ship embarked on a journey that would see it transformed by war and then returned to its original purpose with a quiet dignity.

The Early Years

Launched in March 1913, the SS Pennsylvanian was destined for a life of service. Its construction cost of $716,000 made it a significant investment, and its dimensions—429 feet 2 inches long with a deadweight tonnage of 10,175 LT DWT—ensured it could carry a substantial cargo. The ship was powered by a single quadruple expansion steam engine capable of propelling at a speed of 15 knots (28 km/h), making it a reliable and efficient vessel for its time. Its primary route was on the west side of North America, but its journey would soon take an unexpected turn.

WWI: A Call to Service

During World War I, the SS Pennsylvanian’s peaceful existence was interrupted when it was requisitioned by the US Navy. Commissioned as USS Scranton (ID-3511), the ship found itself in a new role, transporting cargo and animals to France. This was no small feat; the ship had to navigate treacherous waters and support the war effort in a critical way. After the Armistice in 1918, it returned to its original name and resumed its cargo service with American-Hawaiian Steamship Company.

A Relatively Uneventful Career

For over two decades, Pennsylvanian continued its unremarkable but essential role. It carried goods across the vast expanse of North America, occasionally making headlines for minor incidents like hitting a Southern Pacific ferry in 1930 or even building a catboat for its captain’s son while docked in San Francisco. These small moments paint a picture of a ship that was more than just cargo; it was part of the fabric of daily life and commerce.

The Call to Arms Again

With the outbreak of World War II, Pennsylvanian’s peaceful existence came to an end once again. In early 1944, it was requisitioned by the War Shipping Administration (WSA) and began a new chapter in its life. The ship sailed on New York-Caribbean routes and made transatlantic crossings between New York and Liverpool, supporting the war effort with every voyage. Its final mission came in mid-July 1944 when it was scuttled as part of a breakwater for one of the Mulberry artificial harbors built to support the Normandy Invasion.

A Legacy of Service

While Pennsylvanian’s active service ended with its scuttling, its legacy lives on. The ship was offered to American-Hawaiian for $565,910 as part of a settlement with the WSA, but it had already fulfilled its purpose in supporting one of the most significant operations in military history. Its journey from a cargo ship to a warship and back again is a testament to the adaptability and resilience of maritime vessels and the people who serve them.

So, as we reflect on the life of SS Pennsylvanian, let us remember not just its physical journey but also the intangible spirit that kept it moving through times of peace and war. It was more than a ship; it was a symbol of human perseverance and the enduring nature of service.