The third USS Quinnebaug was originally the Old Dominion Steamship Company Jefferson built by the Delaware River Iron Ship Building and Engine Works, Chester, Pennsylvania.

[1][2][3] The ship was acquired for World War I naval service and, as USS Quinnebaug, participated in planting the North Sea Mine Barrage.

[1] The ship was chartered by United States Navy 3 December 1917, fitted out for service at Robins Dry Dock and Repair Company at Brooklyn, New York.

The United States converted eight civilian steamships as minelayers for the 100,000 mines manufactured for the barrage.

[5] The ships and Norfolk terminals obtained from Old Dominion Steamship Company were to support the purchaser's rail links to the north on Virginia's Eastern Shore.