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SS EXETER (I)

Exeter is a borough and city in southwest England, northeast of Plymouth. It has been important since Roman times because of its strategic location.

Last updated June 2009

General Specifications

Type Cargo Liner, single funnel (American Export)
Displacement 9,360 tons (lt)
Length 450 ft
Beam 62 ft (19 m)
Draft 26 ft (7.9 m)
Propulsion Single Screw Steam turbine
Speed 16 kt
Accomodations 125 First Class


SS Excambion (I), identical to the SS Exeter 1938

The SS Exeter was one of the first-generation "4 Aces". Her sister ships were SS Excalibur, SS Exochorda, and SS Excambion. Originally built for American Export Lines by New York Shipbuilding of Camden, New Jersey, contract #396, between 1929 and 1931. AEL placed the "4 Aces" in service between the US and the Mediterranean, offering cruises of up to 40 days.

From 1930 until 1940 the Exeter delivered cargo, mail, and passengers on round trips from the American Export Lines terminal in Jersey City, New Jersey (New York harbor) to various ports in the Mediterranean.

From 1940 to 1941 the Exeter made many round trips between Lisbon, Portugal and New York. The Exeter was instrumental in the success of the war-time Emergency Rescue Committee; transporting thousands of refugees from Nazi Europe to freedom in the United States.

The Exeter was acquired by the Navy from the Maritime Commission on 7 January 1942. She was converted by Tampa Shipbuilding Co., Tampa, Fla. and commissioned the USS Edward Rutledge on 18 April 1942. Edward Rutledge served in the Allied invasion of North Africa (Morocco) in 1942 and was sunk in that invasion by a German U-boad torpedo. Edward Rutledge was replaced by a new ship, USS Shelby, which later became Exeter (II).

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