Merchant name retained.
Isabela was a freighter launched in 1911 by Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., Newport News, Va.; transferred to the Navy from USSB 9 April 1918; and commissioned 12 April 1918, Lt. Comdr. A. H. Strumm, USNRF, in command.
Assigned to NOTS, Isabela loaded cargo at New York and Halifax and sailed for France 27 April 1918. She arrived at Brest 13 May with supplies which were vitally needed for the final Allied offensive. Isabela made a total of three voyages to France prior to the signing of the Armistice 11 November 1918.
After an overhaul at Brooklyn Navy Yard, Isabela departed for her final cruise to Europe 23 November. She arrived at LeHavre, France 8 December, and visited Plymouth, England, in early January 1919. Upon her return passage from Plymouth, which began 7 January, she picked op a crew from an unseaworthy schooner and transported them to safety. Isabela arrived Baltimore 27 January, decommissioned 14 February 1919, and was returned to USSB for return to her owner the New York and Porto Rico S.S. Co.
