Following the December 7 attack, Matson's famed white ships are painted wartime gray and converted into troop transport vessels. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is taken over by the U.S. Navy for a Rest and Relaxation facility, mainly for submarine crews. Matson's entire organization personnel, ships and facilities are commandeered by the U.S. government and placed on a full scale war status. Matson's four passenger liners and 35 freighters go to the U.S. Maritime Commission with Matson designated as managing agent by the War Shipping Administration.
