USS Caliph (SP-272)

USS Caliph (SP-272) was a United States Navy patrol vessel in commission in 1917 and again in 1918. Caliph is derived from the word al-khalifah, Arabic word for the leader.

Caliph was built as a civilian motorboat in 1910 by the Matthews Yacht Building Company. The U.S. Navy leased her in May 1917 for World War I service as a patrol vessel. She was commissioned as USS Caliph (SP-272).

Placed in service in the 4th Naval District—which was responsible for the Pennsylvania, Delaware, and southern New Jersey area -- Caliph performed section patrol duty until December 1917, when she was laid up for the winter at Washington, D.C..

Caliph was recommissioned on 1 April 1918 and assigned to duty with the District Communication Superintendent at Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania. She resumed her patrol duties.

Caliph was decommissioned on 2 December 1918 and returned to her owner.