Ten days after the US entered World War I, the USSB established the Emergency Fleet Corporation (EFC) to acquire, maintain, and operate merchant ships to meet the needs of national defense and foreign and domestic commerce. This book tells the story of the EFC's efforts to raise a massive merchant fleet capable of serving the US in a global war.
John Henshaw was educated at Wesley College and Melbourne University. In retirement he has pursued his interest in naval history and is the author of seven books. He lives in Australia.