John G. Olsen, a 61-ton steam harbor tug, was built in New Baltimore, New York, in 1916. She was acquired by the Navy in April 1918 and assigned to duty in the Fifth Naval District. During the remaining months of World War I, she served as a tug in the vicinity of Hampton Roads, Virginia, supporting the activities of the Naval Overseas Transportation Service. Later, she was stationed at Indian Head, Maryland. USS John G. Olsen was returned to her owners in August 1919.