As part of this program, EFC placed orders with nation's shipyards for a large number of vessels of standard designs.

[4][5] The steam for the engine was supplied by three single-ended Scotch marine boilers fitted for both coal and oil fuel, with latter one being the main source.

[6] However, with ever changing trade conditions, Olockson and another Shipping Board steamer, Wawalona, were later reassigned to carry a cargo of flour for the Atlantic Coast with further delivery to Europe.

[7] On 17 November 1919 the freighter finally moved from the builder's yard and was berthed at the municipal dock in preparation for loading.

[8] She then took on board a large cargo of flour for Europe and lumber for Panama Canal Zone discharged from damaged steamer Siletz which was scheduled to go into drydock for repairs.

After taking on board 2,500 tons of steel rails and 1,594,100 gallons of gasoline in cases and drums she cleared from Philadelphia on March 2 bound for Japan and Japanese-occupied Vladivostok.

[21] However, as no bids were received that matched USSB expected price of about US$100,000 the sale fell through and the ship remained moored in Balboa for the next several years.

In April 1923 the vessel was loaded with scrap iron at Balboa and towed 2,239 miles by collier Ulysses to Hampton Roads.

She was then brought from there by tug Joseph D. Wood to Baltimore on 9 May 1923 and remained moored at the bottom of Fallsway for the next several months.