In 1942, the War Shipping Administration requisitioned the A.M. Darling for “saltwater service” – a dangerous conversion. Lake freighters were not designed for ocean waves. AMS installed reinforced bow plating, a deck gun, and radio equipment. Renamed temporarily as “USAT A.M. Darling” (U.S. Army Transport), she joined the Intercoastal Convoy System , carrying bauxite from British Guiana to Philadelphia and aviation gas to the Panama Canal.
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