The USS Procyon (AG-11) was an Antares-class cargo ship constructed in 1919 by the American International Shipbuilding Corporation at Hog Island, Pennsylvania. Originally launched as the SS Shaume, the vessel was taken over by the U.S. Navy on November 8, 1921, from the U.S. Shipping Board, and was commissioned later that year on November 30. The ship's primary role was serving as the flagship of the Commander of the Fleet Base Force within the U.S. Battle Fleet, a position it held until its decommissioning on April 1, 1931. Following its naval service, the vessel underwent a significant transformation into a training ship for the Merchant Marine Academy. Inspected and declared suitable for training purposes by the New York State Education Department, the ship was renamed Empire State (IX-38) at the behest of Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt. On July 15, 1931, she was transferred to the state of New York and served as a school ship for the Academy, contributing to the training of merchant marine cadets until April 11, 1940. In 1940, the vessel was returned to the Maritime Commission, and during World War II, she was renamed American Pilot, sailing under the American flag. Her service during this period was part of the broader wartime maritime efforts, although specific operational details are not provided. After the war, the ship’s existence came to an end when she was scrapped in Wilmington, Delaware, in the third quarter of 1948. Throughout her career, the vessel exemplified versatility, transitioning from a naval flagship to a vital training platform, and finally serving in wartime maritime activities. Her history reflects the multifaceted roles played by ships of her class and era, contributing to naval, educational, and wartime maritime history.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.