USS O-16 (SS-77) was one of 16 O-class submarines built for the United States Navy during World War I.

[2] For surface running, the boats were powered by two 440-brake-horsepower (328 kW) diesel engines, each driving one propeller shaft.

In October, the boat sailed to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where a dangerous fire in her superstructure on 29 December was brought under control before it did major damage.

In 1922, O-16 was stationed at Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone, for diving tests and maneuvers.

She cruised in formation with O-12, O-14, O-15, and submarine tender Bushnell to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on 26 January, and continued maneuvers in and around the Virgin Islands.