Independence III Str

Independence III

( Str: t. 4,98.0; 1. 440'2"; ~b. 56'; dr. 28'8"; s. 11 k.; a. Z 5" )

The third Independenoe was built in 1918 by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corp., Alameda, Calif., for the USSB. She was delivered to the Navy and commissioned l6 November 1918, Lt. O. P. Rankin in command.

Independence sailed with a cargo of foodstuffs 6 December 1918, arrived New York 1 January 1918, and continued on toEngland. Upon her return to New York, the ship decommissioned 20 March 1919 and was returned to the USSB. She was later extensively rebuilt to be sold 7 August 1930 to Baltimore mail Steamship Co. and renamed City of Norfolk. In 1940 she was reacquired by the Navy and served in World War II as troop transport Neville ( q.v. )