Mercer I (ScStr)
(ScStr: dp. 13,130; 1. 411'6"; b. 55'; dr. 27'; s. 11 k.; cpl. 72; a. none)
A merchant name retained. Mercer (APB‑39) is named for counties in Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
I
Mercer, a single screw cargo carrier, was built by Federal Shipbuilding Co., Hackensack River, N.J., in 1918; acquired from USSB at Brooklyn, N.Y., 16 January 1919; and commissioned the same day, Lt. Comdr. W. G. Turner, USNRF, in command.
Operating under USSB account, Mercer loaded 7,253 tons of foodstuffs and departed New York 14 February en route Rotterdam, Netherlands. She underwent emergency repairs at Downs, England, early in March and was diverted to Antwerp, Belgium, where she remained until 9 May. Thence, she steamed to New Orleans, La., arriving 20 May. She decommissioned 26 May 1919 and was returned to USSB 3 June 1919.
