USS Josephine, a 60-foot-long motor boat, was built at Morris Heights, New York, in 1916 as a pleasure craft. The Navy obtained her in August 1917 for use as a patrol boat, placing her in commission in the following month. Josephine was employed in the New York area until July 1918, when it was determined that she was unsuited for further service. She was returned to her owner in December 1918.