She sailed from Brest on May 15, with 1500 officers of the Army, 300
enlisted men of the Army, many distinguished civilians and 500 nurses
on board. She left in company with the Leviathan, and the two vessels
had an exciting trip across the Atlantic. While it was not officially
announced as a race, it was a close run all the way over. The Leviathan
won by a few hours, but be it remembered that the "Levi" had made about
twenty trips over, they were hardened to the transport duty, and they
knew their ship. When we get a little more accustomed to the packet,
we'll show 'em how to put the old Imperator through the water!
The Imperator arrived in New York on the 22nd of May, after a
delightful passage over, and she tied up to the dock along with her
sistership, the Leviathan. Two of the world's greatest ships--Leviathan
and Imperator--at the same dock, and best of all the dock was in the
good old U. S. A., and greatest of all, they had the American flag
floating over them.
The Imperator lay at the dock at Hoboken until June 3rd, at which time
she sailed for Brest. During her stay in port she was given a complete
overhauling, standee bunks were installed by the thousands, a new
wireless outfit was placed on board, as was a complete and up-to-date
printing department, installed by John F. Kennedy, chief printer, who
was sent to her from the staff of Admiral Sims. She also took on board
tons and tons of fresh provisions and supplies.
It was the next day, after her first arrival in the United States after
an absence of nearly five years, that the Imperator received her
present commanding officer, C. B. Morgan, Captain, U. S. Navy, and her
present executive officer. Commander R. A. White. Many other officers
to head important departments were also received.