The first USS Ericsson (Torpedo Boat No. 2/TB-2) was the second torpedo boat built for the United States Navy. The first—Cushing—had been built seven years earlier. Ericsson was launched on 12 May 1894 by Iowa Iron Works, Dubuque, Iowa; sponsored by Miss Carrie Kiene; and commissioned on 18 February 1897, Lieutenant N. R. Usher in command.