[3] [4] During World War II, Aiken Victory was operated by the firm Mississippi Shipping company, under a contract with the United States Maritime Commission.

Aiken Victory was part of Operation Magic Carpet bring troops home form both Pacific and European Theater.

[5] Following the end of hostilities, that company continued to operate her under contract until she was put in the National Defense Reserve Fleet in Suisun Bay on February 22, 1947.

[3] The United States Navy acquired the ship on 21 July 1950 in the wake of the outbreak the Korean War the previous month.

[6] Operated by a civil service crew, USNS Aiken Victory carried troops in the Korean War combat zone for almost 30 months.