USS Caliph

USS "Caliph" (SP-272) was a United States Navy patrol vessel in commission in 1917 and again in 1918. "Caliph" is derived from the word "al-khalifah", Arabic word for "the leader".
"Caliph" was built as a civilian motorboat in 1910 by the Matthews Yacht Building Company. The U.S. Navy leased her in May 1917 for World War I service as a patrol vessel. She was commissioned as USS "Caliph" (SP-272).
Placed in service in the 4th Naval District—which was responsible for the Pennsylvania, Delaware, and southern New Jersey area -- "Caliph" performed section patrol duty until December 1917, when she was laid up for the winter at Washington, D.C..
"Caliph" was recommissioned on 1 April 1918 and assigned to duty with the District Communication Superintendent at Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania. She resumed her patrol duties.
"Caliph" was decommissioned on 2 December 1918 and returned to her owner.