[5] USAT Meigs was one of the small fleet the Army maintained during the inter-war years and operated in the Pacific[4] as a freight and animal transport.

[12][13] In July 1938 Meigs found an oil slick along the course of the lost Pan American flying boat Hawaii Clipper about 500 miles from Manila, took samples and stood by for further investigation.

The reality of war resulted in a December 1941 Presidential order suspending that agreement and the hull number is listed by Navy as "not used.

It lies in 18 metres (59 ft)[19] of water at coordinates 12°29.26′S 130°49.10′E / 12.48767°S 130.81833°E / -12.48767; 130.81833,[20] and due to the large tidal movements creating strong currents and poor visibility, is only divable around neap tides.

There was also a small Quartermaster Corps passenger and freight steamer built in 1892 by John H. Dialogue & Son, Camden New Jersey, and serving in the early 20th century named General Meigs.