sentences:  "Brant" was launched 30 May 1918 by Sun Shipbuilding Co., Chester, Pennsylvania; sponsored by Miss Lois Graham; commissioned 5 September 1918, Lieutenant J. W. Stoakley in command; and reported to the Minesweeping Force, 5th Naval District, to sweep convoy courses off the coast of Virginia.She served as a lightship off the Virginia coast in December 1918.In May 1919 she was placed under Director of Tugs, 5th Naval District, for towing and harbor operations at Norfolk.