USS Aster was a steam operated tugboat acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War.

On 25 July 1864 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Union Navy purchased the wooden steamer Alice from Bishop, Son, and Company.

Renamed Aster, this screw tug was placed in commission on 12 August 1864, Acting Master Samuel Hall in command.

Just as she was about to cut off the blockade runner – which later proved to be the Halifax steamer Annie – Aster grounded on Carolina Shoals.

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.