"minnesotan" next took on a load of 798 horses and sailed on 30 november for bordeaux, where she arrived on 13 december. stopping at saint-nazaire the following day, "minnesotan" departed for norfolk on 21 december. after making port at norfolk on 3 january 1919, the cargo ship sailed for new york, where she was inspected and found to be suitable for use as a troop transport. she was transferred to the cruiser and transport force on 7 january and fitted with bunks and living facilities over the next three months.