USS Lancaster (ID-2953) was a commercial cargo ship acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War I.

The second ship to be so named by the Navy, Lancaster, a cargo ship, was launched 5 May 1918 by Sun Shipbuilding Co., Chester, Pennsylvania; acquired by the Navy 19 June 1918; and commissioned at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the same day.

Assigned to the Naval transportation service (NOTS), Lancaster departed New York City 13 July with cargo for South American ports.

After the Armistice was signed 11 November, Lancaster returned to New York City the following month to join the Cruiser Transport Force 17 December.

Completing her service, Lancaster decommissioned 4 October 1919 and was returned to the United States Shipping Board (USSB) the same day.