USS Commodore Read was a former ferry acquired by the Union Navy for use during the American Civil War.

Assigned to duty with the Potomac Flotilla, she put to sea on 12 September 1863, arriving at Washington Navy Yard three days later.

The ship was constantly employed in the rivers and creeks of Virginia, on picket and patrol duty; transporting troops and prisoners of war; towing vessels; capturing and destroying enemy boats and other property; and engaging in frequent action with Confederate cavalry, shore batteries, and ships.

Typical of her service was an expedition to Fredericksburg, Virginia from 6–8 March 1865, when she joined Yankee, Delaware, and Heliotrope to cooperate with the Army in the destruction of Hamilton's Crossing.

The expedition, commanded by Colonel Roberts on board Commodore Read, destroyed the railroad depot and bridge, 28 loaded railway cars, an army wagon train, miles of railroad track, and telegraph equipment, as well as capturing 30 prisoners, tobacco, bales of cotton, 28 mules, and mail.