The TAMPA crew who lost their lives came mostly from Brooklyn, New York, and Tampa and Key West, Florida. Many signed up for service in the days following the United States’ entry into the First World War on 6 April 1917. There were four sets of brothers on the TAMPA. Ten African-Americans (not pictured) served on board as cabin stewards, cooks, and boys (1st class).
Source:
United States Coast Guard Historian’s Office.