From Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Vol. 1 (1959), pp. 128

(AP: dp. 11,900; l. 409'3"; b. 52'7"; dr. 25'10''; s. 11 k.)

Black Arrow was built in 1904 as Rhaetia by Bremer-Vulean Werke, Vegesack, Germany; seized by Customs offlcials at Philadelphia on American entrance into World War I, assigned to the Army as Black Hawk; transferred to the Navy; and commissioned as Black Arrow 27 January 1919, Lieutenant Commander W. S. Lynch, USNRF, in command.

Assigned to the Cruiser and Transport Force, Atlantic Fleet, Black Arrow made three trips to France, returning 4759 troops. Completing her last voyage 21 July 1919, she was decommissioned 19 August 1919 and returned to the Shipping Board the same day.