USS Holly (1881)

USS Holly (1881) was a lighthouse tender borrowed by the U.S. Navy from the U.S. Commerce Department during World War I and armed as a patrol craft. Holly was used to patrol the waters near Norfolk, Virginia. Post-war she was returned to the Commerce Department.

Built in Baltimore, Maryland
The first ship to be so named by the Navy, Holly, a wood and steel lighthouse tender, was built in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1881, and was owned by the Department of Commerce, Lighthouse Service, until being taken over by the Navy 15 April 1917.

World War I service
She served in the 5th Naval District, operating from Norfolk, Virginia, on general and patrol duty during the balance of World War I.

Post-war decommissioning
The steamer was returned to the Lighthouse Service by Executive order dated 1 July 1919.