USS Penobscot (SP-982/YT-42/YTB-42) was a commercial harbor tugboat purchased by the U.S. Navy at the start of World War I. Penobscot performed her towing services for the 5th Naval District on the U.S. East Coast, and continued to do so for the 3rd Naval District through the end of World War II.

Through World War I she served as a section patrol craft in the 5th Naval District, operating in Hampton Roads, Virginia, and the Elizabeth River.

She also served in Europe, and suffered a fire off Villa Franca, Italy, on 5 October 1918 that took the life of one person.

Shortly after World War I she was redesignated YT–42 and assigned harbor duties in the 3rd Naval District.

Through World War II she continued to serve the Fleet as a tug in New York Harbor.