USS Mayflower, a 2690-ton yacht, was built for private use at Clyde Bank, Scotland, in 1896. She was acquired by the Navy in preparation for the Spanish-American War, and was commissioned in March 1898. She served off Cuba during that conflict, and participated in an engagement off Havana on 14 May.
Following the war, Mayflower served as a headquarters and flag ship in Atlantic and Caribbean waters. In 1904, she was converted to the Presidential yacht, and performed this role until decommissioned in March 1929. She was sold in October 1931, and became a private yacht. During World War II, Mayflower was employed as a U.S. Coast Guard cutter.
