[1][2] She was specifically designed for Alaska with a double-bottom and larger fuel tanks.

[2] She was launched on 23 January 1934, acquired by the United States Lighthouse Service in March 1934, and commissioned later that year.

[2] On 1 July 1939, the U.S. Lighthouse Service was abolished and the United States Coast Guard took over its responsibilities and assets; and Hemlock became part of the Coast Guard fleet as USCGC Hemlock.

Parker's small "Alaskan Navy" which consisted of the gunboat and flagship USS Charleston, the cutter USCGC Onondaga, three converted patrol craft (YP-72, YP-73, YP-74),[3] and her sister lighthouse tenders, USCGC Alder and USCG Cedar.

[5] She was sold on August 2, 1961[citation needed] and later served as a merchant ship.