Robin was named, by the U.S. Navy for the robin, a North American thrush with a red breast. Robin (Minesweeper No. 3) was laid down 4 March 1918 by the Todd Shipyard Corp., New York; launched 17 June 1918; sponsored by Miss Bessie Veronica Callaghan; and commissioned 29 August 1918, Lt. (jg.) Lewis H. Cutting in command.