It served most notably in passenger service as America and the Greek-flagged Australis. Sold with the intention of being refitted to become a hotel ship , while being towed to Thailand she was wrecked as American Star at Playa de Garcey on Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands on 18 January The wreck deteriorated and completely collapsed into the sea.
By it was no longer visible on the ocean surface and had become an artificial reef. The aim was to provide an atmosphere of cheerfulness and sophisticated charm. America was launched on 31 August and was sponsored by Eleanor Roosevelt , wife of then-president of the United States Franklin D. The liner entered service on 10 August , undertaking its maiden voyage as the flagship of the United States Lines. As originally designed, America could carry in cabin class, in tourist class, in third class, and crew.
America was originally constructed with low funnels in order to give the ship a modern, streamlined appearance. Very early in its career, however, the height of the funnels was increased by 16 feet, due to heavy soot deposits on the decks. The forward funnel was in actuality a dummy, housing the horn and certain ventilation uptakes. Due to conflict having begun in Europe in World War II , in which the United States was still neutral, the ship's name, along with "United States Lines" and two American flags were painted in large size to be clearly visible on both sides of the hull.
At night, it sailed while fully illuminated, as further precaution. Additionally, it did not immediately take to its intended North Atlantic service route, instead sailing in safer waters. It was, however, quietly fitted with a degaussing cable for protection against naval mines on 3 January It was ordered to return to Newport News to be handed over to the Navy.
While on the America , they obtained information about the movement of ships and military defense preparations at the Panama Canal , observed and reported defense preparations in the Canal Zone, and met with other German agents to advise them in their espionage efforts.
