The first USS Gretchen (SP-423) was a patrol vessel acquired by the United States Navy in 1917.

History
United States
Name	USS Gretchen
Namesake	Previous name retained
Acquired	30 July 1917
Fate	Returned to owner 1 November 1917
Notes	Operated as private motorboat Gretchen before and after U.S. Navy service
General characteristics
Type	Patrol vessel
Tonnage	84 gross register tons
Length	86 ft (26 m)
Beam	13 ft 6 in (4.11 m)
Draft	4 ft (1.2 m)
Speed	10 knots

Gretchen was built as a private motorboat. On 30 July 1917, the U.S. Navy acquired her from her owner, Sylvanus Stokes, for use as a section patrol boat during World War I. She was placed in service as USS Gretchen (SP-423).

Assigned to the 5th Naval District, Gretchen was found unsuited for use in patrol duties. The Navy returned her to her owner on 1 November 1917.

Gretchen should not be confused with USS Gretchen (SP-1181), another patrol vessel in U.S. Navy service at the same time.