WHEN AMERICA BECAME WEST POINT

Eleanor Roosevelt christened the United States Line’s America, left, in 1937. Designed by famed naval architect William Francis Gibbs, she was always envisioned as a troop transport in times of national crisis. That moment would come too soon as war clouds gathered. Plans were underway to convert America into the U.S.S. West Point only two years later. Aside from her camouflage to break up her silhouette, West Point carried three-inch and five-inch naval gun batteries fore and aft, and a bevy of anti-aircraft weapons. Below, a New York City homecoming.