I was a cadet on this ship during her first voyage as a training ship in 1975, when we also sailed her up the St. Lawrence River. However, during that voyage we did not stop at Montreal, but at the City of Quebec.

This was one of 3 passenger ships laid down for American President Lines, and was to have been called President Jackson. However, after the Korean War began the 3 incomplete liners were taken over by the U.S. Navy and completed as troop transports. In fact, they were to be the last troop transports operated by the U.S. Navy. Upon completion this ship was named USNS Barrett (T-AP-196).

In 1974 she was given to the New York Maritime College to serve as a training ship and renamed Empire State V.

Lovely. She's VERY easy on the eye. Good capture.