USS Walter D. Munson (ID-1510) - Construction, Acquisition, and Commissioning

Construction, Acquisition, and Commissioning

SS Walter D. Munson was built in 1917 at Sparrows Point, Maryland, by the Bethlehem Steel Company as a commercial cargo ship for the Munson Steamship Lines. The United States Shipping Board acquired her from Munson for World War I service early in 1918 and transferred her to the U.S. Navy on 15 April 1918. The Navy assigned her the naval registry Identification Number (Id. No.) 1510 and commissioned her on 19 April 1918 as USS Walter D. Munson at New York City with Lieutenant Commander William J. Connors, USNRF, in command.