The only surviving P2-S2-R2 type transport in its original configuration is the GENERAL JOHN POPE, which entered service in July of 1943. The 17,800 gross ton, 622 by 76 foot liner is laid up at Suisuin Bay and is on the register of vessels to be disposed of by the US Maritime Administration.

These nine vessels, the largest to be built for the Maritime Commission during World War Two, were conceived in 1941 for trooping and post war commercial service. They were all built between 1943 and 1944 by the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company of Kearny, New Jersey and could carry up to 5,000 troops. Designed without portholes for extra security, they were given powerful air conditioning plants as compensation. Their extra thick shell plating and two sets of boilers and engines made commercial operation costly, so most of these ships remained in trooping service througout their careers. They were powered by De Laval geared turbines capable of 18,700 SHP for a service speed of 19 knots.

Ironically, the POPE, which was laid up in 1969, is the first of this class of distinguished-looking vessels. She is tied up alongside the GENERAL EDWIN D. PATRICK, a similar transport of the P2-SE2-R1 type.

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