Founded in 1921 by the United States Shipping Board (USSB) to operate large German ships seized during World War I as reparations.25 Among the founders was Kermit Roosevelt.25 Initially operated with ex-German ships such as Leviathan (ex-Vaterland), George Washington, America (ex-Amerika), and ships built by the USSB (President Roosevelt, President Harding) on the New York-Europe route (Bremen, London).25 Operated from the Hoboken, New Jersey terminal (former HAPAG facilities).25 The line accumulated debt and was sold in 1929 to the P.W. Chapman Company, reorganized as United States Lines Inc..25 In 1931, it was sold again to the United States Lines Company of Nevada and acquired by the Roosevelt International Mercantile Marine Company (IMM).25 In the 1930s, it built its first own ships: Manhattan (1932), Washington (1933), and America (1940).25 Absorbed other IMM lines: American Line (1932), Baltimore Mail Line (1937), American Merchant Line (1938).25 During World War II, its ships were requisitioned for the war effort (e.g., America became USS West Point).25 Resumed passenger service after the war with the America and Cargo ships.25 The company continued to operate after 1950, launching the famous SS United States in 1952, but eventually went bankrupt in the 1980s with the rise of containerization and competition.