The S.S. Mariposa was commissioned into the United States Naval Reserve at Los Angeles on 7 May 1932.

The caption on the reverse of this Acme Newspictures Inc. photo reads:

NAVY GETS $8,000,000 LINER

The fine new $8,000,000 liner Mariposa, newest American floating palace, became a part of the United States Navy when, in an elaborate ceremony at Los Angeles, recently, she was inducted into the United States Naval Reserve and awarded her official commission and pennant before a vast array of gold braid and with much pomp and ceremony.

Photo shows the principals in the ceremony with the Naval Reserve pennant bestowed upon the ship (left to right)
Capt. Alonzo H. Woodbine, U.S.N., who officially commissioned the ship a Naval Reserve vessel;
Capt. Wm. R. Meyer, Commander of the Mariposa;
J.B. Banning, representing the ship's owners; and
Lt.-Commander James A. Crutchfield, U.S.N.
(ACME 5/9/32)

Captain William R. Meyer USNR was Commander of the Mariposa when she sailed from Los Angeles on 27 June 1934 with Sir Charles and Lady Kingsford Smith as passengers and the Lockheed Altair as deck cargo. During the voyage, Smithy and Mary would have become well-known to Captain Meyer.

Picture: Tim Kalina Collection