Executive Order No. 2624, May 22, 1917
It is hereby authorized that through the Secretary of the Navy there shall be taken over to the United States the immediate possession and title to the German vessels Kronprinz Wilhelm and Prinz Eitel Friedrich now at the Navy Yard, Philadelphia, the Lisbenfels now at the Navy Yard, Charleston, and the Geir and Locksen now at the Naval Station, Hawaii, and until further directions, the Secretary of the Navy is ordered to operate and equip such vessels in the service of the Navy of the United States.
This order shall take effect from date.
May 22, 1917.