throughout her world war ii service, "mercury" operated in the pacific ocean, beginning with long runs from the west coast to the south pacific and ending with underway replenishments for the fast carrier forces. the converted merchantman completed her maiden wartime voyage at san francisco, california, 27 september 1942 having carried a mixed cargo, which included drummed petroleum products, landing mats, dynamite, engineering equipment, and food, to noumea and guadalcanal. over the next 15 months she continued to carry essential materiel to the south pacific, supporting allied forces as they pushed through the solomons and the gilberts.