Houston's status was boosted by the 1914 completion of the Houston Ship Channel, allowing the Port of Houston to service large ships.

Following the purchase by Bethlehem, it serviced and repaired ships and manufactured industrial products.

It was built in 1888 to service ships of the British Royal Navy, and is still in use today.

It serviced ships which docked at the Ferrymead wharf.

From 30 July to 15 November, she serviced ships there.

From 28 November she serviced ships out of Nouméa, New Caledonia.

The jetty was about 80 meters long, and could service ships drawing 7 metres.

For the next two months she serviced ships engaged in the struggle in the Solomon Islands.

It can service ships with a displacement of up to 30,000 tons.

During December she arrived off Hungnam to service ships engaged in evacuation operations in that area.