 "Arcadia" was fitted out for naval service and filled with cargo before departing the United States for France on 2 February 1919.Reaching French waters on 17 February 1919, "Arcadia" put into St. Nazaire on 19 February 1919 and discharged her cargo over the days that followed.Taking on ballast and embarking United States Army soldiers returning from World War I service in France, she left St. Nazaire on 1 March 1919 and, after a rough passage, reached Newport News, Virginia, on 17 March 1919.