1765), a converted commercial cargo ship, was acquired by the United States Navy for use during World War I.

Carib, a cargo ship, was built in 1916 by Detroit Shipbuilding Company, in Detroit, Michigan; converted by Norfolk Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Norfolk, Virginia; commissioned on 27 December 1917 and reported to the Naval Overseas Transportation Service.

Between 29 January and 16 April 1918, Carib made three voyages between Hampton Roads, Virginia, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, carrying coal for United States ships performing convoy duty in the western Atlantic.

After discharging her cargo at Gibraltar, Bizerte, Malta, and Corfu, Carib returned to Hampton Roads on 20 August.

Clearing Hampton Roads on 6 September 1918 with a cargo of mines and general supplies for the force engaged in laying the North Sea Mine Barrage, Carib arrived in Corpach, Scotland, on 28 September.