The USS Niagara (SP-263) was a United States Navy vessel that served during World War I. Originally built in 1915 by E. A. Fonda of Miami, Florida, the vessel was initially a private yacht before being acquired by the U.S. Navy on 5 July 1917 from General H. M. Creel of Miami. Upon acquisition, it was designated USS Niagara (SP-263), with the "SP" indicating its classification as a section patrol vessel. On 11 April 1918, the Navy officially redesignated the ship as SP-263, dropping the name Niagara from its official designation. The vessel's specifications are not detailed in the provided content, but its role was primarily patrol and auxiliary duties during the wartime period. After the conclusion of World War I, the USS Niagara was transferred on 29 May 1919 to the United States Lighthouse Service. There, it was converted into a lighthouse tender and was rechristened USLHT Poinsettia. In this new capacity, she was assigned to the 7th Lighthouse District, based in Key West, Florida, where she likely supported navigational aids and lighthouse operations. The Poinsettia remained in service until she was decommissioned on 21 April 1922 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Following decommissioning, she was sold into civilian service. Her maritime history ended when she caught fire and sank on 27 December 1928. The vessel's service highlights her transition from a private yacht to a naval patrol vessel during wartime, and subsequently to a lighthouse tender aiding navigational safety, reflecting her versatile role in early 20th-century maritime operations.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.