USS Frolic, a 607-ton yacht built as Comanche in 1892 at Cleveland, Ohio, was purchased by the Navy in May 1898. She saw brief service during the Spanish-American War, and was assigned to the Asiatic station in late 1900. Employed in Philippines and off China, she remained in Navy service until decommissioned in July 1907. Frolic was transferred to the War Department in May 1909.