The USS Beluga (SP-536) was a United States Navy patrol vessel in service during World War I, from 1917 to 1918. Originally built as a private motorboat named Gaviota in 1911, she was constructed by the Greenport Basin & Construction Company located in Greenport, Long Island, New York. The vessel was later renamed Beluga before her naval service. Designed as a motorboat, specific dimensions and technical specifications are not detailed in the provided source, but her role as a patrol vessel indicates she was likely a relatively small, swift craft suitable for coastal patrol duties. Her construction as a private motorboat suggests she was intended for recreational or private use before her acquisition by the Navy. In May 1917, during the height of World War I, the U.S. Navy acquired Beluga from her owner, Mr. J. Henry Herring of New Bedford, Massachusetts, under a free lease agreement. She was commissioned as USS Beluga (SP-536) on May 15, 1917. Assigned to the 2nd Naval District, she operated primarily in southern New England waters, including patrol duties around Newport, Rhode Island, and New Bedford, Massachusetts. Her missions involved coastal patrol, safeguarding maritime approaches, and possibly escorting larger vessels during wartime. Beluga's service was relatively brief, ending shortly after the conclusion of hostilities. She was stricken from the Navy Directory on November 25, 1918, and returned to her owner. Her service exemplifies the rapid mobilization and utilization of private vessels by the U.S. Navy during World War I for coastal defense and patrol duties. Though her operational history was concise, USS Beluga contributed to the maritime security efforts along the U.S. eastern coast during a critical period.

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