G.H. McNeal, a 244-gross-ton steam-powered menhaden fishing vessel, was built in 1911 at Millford, Delaware. She was purchased and placed in commission by the Navy in May 1917 as USS G.H. McNeal (SP-312). For the rest of World War I she operated out of Norfolk, Virginia, on patrol and minesweeping duties in the Virginia Capes area. The ship was decommissioned in May 1919 and sold in July of that year.