SS Acadia entered US coastal service for the Eastern Steamship Lines in 1932, originally in New York-Yarmouth coastal service with some one way passages for New York-Yarmouth-Halifax or Saint John. From 1938 to 1940 the ship's route was shifted to New York-Bermuda or Nassau service. When World War II started in 1939 the ship was chartered to United States Lines for one voyage in order to return American citizens from Europe. 

In 1941 she was under the control of the United States Maritime Commission and was used to carry troops.

In 1942 the Acadia underwent a refit to become a joint troop carrier and hospital ship. She could carry 1,100 troops to overseas destinations and 530 patients on the return trip; making the first voyage as such in December 1942.

Courtesy Private Collection.