During World War I, the tug operated out of Mare Island Navy Yard in California.

In 1918, the ship transited the Panama Canal and began operations with the United States Atlantic Fleet, home ported at Norfolk, Virginia.

The tugboat completed two operations to Bermuda and was temporarily loaned to the National Overseas Transportation Service.

On 18 March 1921, the tugboat was re-based to Boston, Massachusetts, towing barges and lighters along the coast.

[2] The third and final ship of the class, Tillamook, entered service soon after its launch on 15 August 1914.

During World War II, the vessel was re-classified again, this time as a medium harbor tug, and re-designated YTM-122 on 13 April 1944.