Late in 1916, she was transferred to the West Indies, and while based at Santo Domingo, served as a transport and tug. After training exercises with the Atlantic Fleet off the Virginia Capes and a brief overhaul, Potomac returned to the Caribbean.
In late 1916, Potomac was redeployed to the West Indies, where she served as a transport and tugboat at Santo Domingo. Following training exercises with the Atlantic Fleet near the Virginia Capes and a brief maintenance period, Potomac returned to her duties in the Caribbean.