From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Banago is a tropical timber tree.

(AK: T. 2551; l. 268'; b. 45'2"; dr. 23'6"; a 10 k.; cpl. 56; cl. Banago)

Banago was launched 4 July 1918 by Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Co., Mobile, Ala., under a Shipping Board contract; transferred to the Navy 25 September 1918; commissioned 29 September 1918, Lieutenant Commander H. R. Hansen, USNRF, in command; and reported to the Naval Overseas Transportation Service.

Following extensive repairs Banago left Norfolk 5 November 1918 with a cargo of coal but returned the following day because of rudder trouble. After an inspection, she discharged part of her cargo and was towed by Crenshaw to New York where, on 21 December 1918, Banago was decommissioned and returned to the Shipping Board.