From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Vol.IV- p 66

Laurel

A genus of lauraceous trees or shrubs whose foliage was used by the ancient Greeks to crown the victors in the Pythian games and as a mark of distinction for certain offices.

(ScStr dp. 218:1.105'; b. 22' ; dr. 6'1'' ; cpl. 15}

The second Laurel, a wooden lighthouse tender built in 1915, was transferred to the Navy with the entire Lighthouse Service by Executive order in 1917. She operated on the Great Lakes servicing lighthouses throughout the war and was returned to the Department of Commerce 1 July 1919.