During the military preparations, another question arose from Naval commanders, how would supplies be carried up the Sebou River to the Port Lyautey airfield? Where was a ship big enough to carry these supplies, and go through a river that might be at most 17 feet deep? The S.S. Contessa was the Navy's pick as such a ship. A message was sent to the boat's commander, Capt William H. John, to go to Newport News to undertake a secret war mission.[5]
The Contessa was a Standard Fruit Company vessel designed for the hauling of bananas and coconuts from Caribbean ports to the United States and to be hostess to cruising vacationists. She was drafted for war service in light of the critical ship shortage due to the war. The ships steward as a colorful man who spent his off hours trying to save the souls of the crew and the other half praying for the Contessa's welfare.[5] The boat was nearing the end of her rope, she was salt cracked, rust stained, and her degaussing equipment was gone.[5]
Upon arriving at Newport News, the Contessa went immediately into dry dock for 24 hours for repairs and preparation for her voyage to support the landing at Port Lyautey. By Sunday night, the 18th of October, she was completely loaded with gasoline, ammunition and bombs.[5] The naval convoy had set sail already, the Contessa would have to catch up. She was short many crewmen, so the Norfolk city jail was opened up and a crew was made of those seamen who were serving time.[5]
Eventually, the Contessa set sail, and met up with here convoy in the middle of the Atlantic. Her next stop would be at Port Lyautey airfield.
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