Four Aces

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For the pop singing group, see The Four Aces

The original Four Aces were the cargo liners Excalibur, Exochorda, Exeter, and Excambion, built for American Export Lines by New York Shipbuilding of Camden, New Jersey between 1929 and 1931. AEL placed the "Four Aces" in service between the US and the Mediterranean, offering cruises of up to 40 days. During World War II, all four vessels were taken over by the U.S. Navy, renamed, and designated as AP- and APA-class troop transports. Three of the original Four Aces (Exochorda being the exception) were ultimately lost to enemy action.

After World War II, American Export Lines purchased four C3-class transports built by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corp. at Sparrow’s Point, Maryland, had them refitted as passenger liners, and placed them in service as the new "Four Aces." Carrying the names of the original quartet, the new "Four Aces" sailed under the AEL flag until the 1960s.

In 1968, the Exochorda was purchased by the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, due to a shortage of on-campus housing. It was refurbished at the Bethlehem Steel Shipyard in Hoboken, renamed the SS Stevens, and anchored on the Hudson River adjacent to the campus to be used as a dormitory. The SS Stevens remained in service until 1975, when its continued operation became prohibitive due to skyrocketing utility costs. Before it was towed away and sold for scrap, one of the anchors was removed and is permanently displayed on campus as a memento of Stevens' most popular dormitory.