USS Pontiac (ID 2343) was a commercial ferryboat twice chartered by the U.S. Navy during World War I. After acquiring the ferry from the Pawtucket Steamboat Co, the Navy was not able to find an adequate use for the vessel, such as a minesweeper, and returned it, finally, to its owner.

Pontiac photographed prior to her World War I Navy service.
History
United States
NameUSS Pontiac
NamesakeChief Pontiac
Christenedas Pioneer
Completed1883
Acquiredchartered by the US Navy 4 March 1918
In serviceMarch 1918
Out of serviceJuly 1918
Refit1909
Strickenest. July 1918
Fatereturned to owner 1918
General characteristics
Typeferryboat
Tonnage112 gross tons
Length114 ft (35 m)
Beam22 ft 2 in (6.76 m)
Draft4 ft 6 in (1.37 m)
Speed8 kn (15 km/h; 9.2 mph)

Built in Rhode Island

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Pontiac, a 112 gross ton steam ferryboat built at East Providence, Rhode Island, in 1883 and rebuilt there in 1909, was previously named Pioneer.

World War I service

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She was chartered by the Navy in March 1918 and briefly was USS Pontiac (ID 2343). However, a planned conversion to a minesweeper was not carried out and she was returned to her owner in June 1918. Again taken over soon after that, she was given back to her owner for a final time in July 1918.

References

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