USS Freedom (ID-3024)

USS "Freedom" (ID-3024) was a cargo and transport ship in the United States Navy during World War I. Originally SS "Wittekind" for the North German Lloyd line, the ship also served as USAT "Iroquois" and USAT "Freedom" after being seized by the United States in 1917.

SS "Wittekind" was built in Germany for the Bremen–New York service of the Roland Line service of North German Lloyd, and was the sister ship of and kept a watchful eye on the ships. Many crew members of the ships eventually went ashore, were processed through immigration, and found employment, while a contingent of musicians from the vessels toured New England, frequently playing at department stores and restaurants, and drawing the ire of the local musicians' union. [cite news | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/csmonitor_historic/access/270041872.html?FMT=AI&dids=270041872:270041872&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Mar+4%2C+1916&author=&pub=Christian+Science+Monitor++(1908-Current+file)&desc=HEAVY+TONNAGE+IN+GERMAN+STEAMERS+TIED+UP+IN+BOSTON | format = fee | title = Heavy tonnage in German steamers tied up in Boston | work = The Christian Science Monitor | date = 1916-03-04 | accessdate = 2008-03-28 | page = 18 ]

After the U.S. declared war on Germany, "Wittekind" and the other interned ships were seized on 6 April 1917 and handed over to the United States Shipping Board (USSB).

United States service in World War I

After her seizure and refitting, the former liner was chartered to the United States Army as USAT "Iroquois". In 1918, her name was again changed, this time to "Freedom". On 24 January 1919, "Freedom" was acquired by the United States Navy and commissioned the same day, with Lieutenant J. C. C. Holier, USNRF, in command.

"Freedom" was assigned to the Cruiser and Transport Force, and after overhaul at New York, sailed on a voyage to Saint-Nazaire, France, and embarked troops for return to the United States. The cargo ship made two more voyages to France, each to Brest, with a visit to Norfolk, Virginia, between trips. She returned a total of 4,983 troops on her voyages from France.Gleaves, p. 257.]

She arrived at Hoboken on 5 September 1919 and was assigned to duty in the 3rd Naval District. "Freedom" was decommissioned at New York on 23 September and returned to the USSB the same day. The veteran ship was transferred to the United States Army transport reserve, and was laid up for five years. On 24 February 1924, "Freedom" arrived at Baltimore for scrapping.

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