From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

An Indian of the most important of the Carib an tribes inhabiting South and Central America.

AK: dp. 3,800 l. 251' b. 43'6"

dr. 18'3" a. 1 x 5", 1 x 3"

The first Carib (No. 1765), a cargo ship, was built in 1916 by Detroit Shipbuilding Co., Detroit, Mich.; converted by Norfolk Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Norfolk, Va.; commissioned 27 December 19l7, Lieutenant Commander A. Clifford, USNRF, in command; and reported to the Naval Overseas Transportation Service.

Between 29 January and 16 April 1918, Carib made three voyages between Hampton Roads, Va., and Halifax, Nova Scotia, carrying coal for United States ships performing convoy duty in the western Atlantic. She sailed in convoy from New York 10 May, loaded with general cargo and petroleum products. After discharging her cargo at Gibraltar, Bizerte, Malta, and Corfu, Carib returned to Hampton Roads 20 August.

Clearing Hampton Roads 6 September 1918 with a cargo of mines and general supplies for the force engaged in laying the North Sea Mine Barrage, Carib arrived in Corpach, Scotland, 28 September. She returned to Hampton Roads 31 October, was transferred to Army account, and until 5 January 1919, carried cargo for the Army of Occupation to Nantes, France. She was decommissioned and returned to her former owner at Hoboken, N.J., on 27 January 1919.