Amphion as an animal transport taking mules, horses and general cargo to forces in Europe.

[1][2] The ship was intended for the line's Baltimore and Galveston trade with limited cabin class accommodation and concentration on steerage passenger and cargo space.

[6][7][8][9] Amphion was the first animal transport to sail from the Chesapeake on 14 October 1917, with forage, 881 mules, 169 horses and general cargo.

[8] The transport, loaded with animals for the A.E.F., was approaching Brest alone on 30 October 1917 separated from a convoy in fog when a surfaced submarine was spotted close on the port bow.

[10] Amphion was returning to the United States on 12 October 1918 when the German submarine SM U-155 attacked with gunfire in the Atlantic Ocean at 36°06′N 62°59′W / 36.100°N 62.983°W / 36.100; -62.983.

The German fire riddled the upper works and destroyed five lifeboats before Amphion outran the submarine.

Between 21 May and 3 September 1919, USS Amphion journeyed thrice to France – twice to St. Nazaire and once to Brest – bringing home 6,410 American troops.

[6] Amphion was decommissioned at Brooklyn, New York, on 27 September 1919 and turned over to the United States Shipping Board (USSB) for disposition.