 On 5 February, "Scranton" was transferred from the NOTS to the Navy's Cruiser and Transport Force, and began conversion to a troop transport to carry American personnel home from France.While sailing to France to begin her first troop-carrying duties in late March, "Scranton" suffered damage to her rudder and was disabled east of New York.Navy transport responded to "Scranton"s distress call, and attempted to take "Scranton" under tow.