The first USS Viking was an iron-hulled, steam yacht built in 1883 at Chester, Pennsylvania, by Delaware River Iron Ship Building and Engine Works and was acquired by the United States Navy on 22 April 1898 from Mr. Horace A. Hutchins for service in the Spanish–American War.

After brief stops at Port Royal, South Carolina, and Key West, Florida, she joined the Fleet in Cuban waters on 28 July.

After three weeks of duty carrying orders, messages, and passengers between ships on station on the blockade, Viking ended her brief war service without having participated in any combat.

She headed back to Key West on 16 August, remained overnight, and then continued her voyage—via Port Royal—to Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Viking remained at Norfolk until 29 September 1899 at which time she was reactivated for a bit more than three weeks of service which ended on 23 October.