 Launched in May 1940 she was delivered to the Lykes Brothers Steamship Company of New Orleans and renamed Doctor Lykes".After two trips to the Orient she was acquired by the United States Navy and commissioned as a cargo ship, USS "Hamul" (AK-30), on 14 June 1941 at Charleston, South Carolina, Commander F. M. Tillson in command.In July 1941, "Hamul" rendered logistical support for the occupation of Iceland, prior to America's involvement in World War II.