USS Joseph M. Clark, a 93-ton steam harbor tug, was built for commercial use at Baltimore, Maryland, in 1899. She subsequently was employed in the Norfolk, Virginia, area. She was leased by the Navy in October 1917, placed in commission and used for tug, patrol and minesweeping duties in Hampton Roads and the James and York Rivers. Joseph M. Clark was decommissioned in November 1918 and returned to her owner.