From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Celebes, the English name given to the island of Sulawesi, Republic of Indonesia

dr. 25'11" s. 10 k. cpl. 62

Celebes (No. 2680), a cargo vessel, was launched in 1907 by Furness, Withy Company, Limited, West Hartlepool, England; seized by Customs officials at Newport News, Va., under the Presidential Proclamation of 20 March 1918; transferred from the Shipping Board the following day; and commissioned 6 April 1918, Lieutenant Commander O. E. May, USNRF, in command.

Assigned to the Naval Overseas Transportation Service, Celebes made four transatlantic voyages from New York calling at St. Nazaire, Verdon, and La Pallice, France, between 2 May 1918 and 15 February 1919. After providing this supply support to the American Expeditionary Force, she sailed from New York 15 March for Amsterdam, Netherlands. Here she was turned over to the Shipping Board 2 May 1919 for transfer to her Dutch owners.