USS Akbar (SP-599) was first owned by George W. Childs Drexel of Philadelphia, a member of the city's Corinthian Yacht Club.

[1][2] Akbar, described as an "express cruiser," was built in 1915 by the Mathis Yacht Building Company of Camden, New Jersey to a design by Bowes and Mower as hull number 49 assigned official number 213334, signal letters LFKP and 25 GRT on registration.

The hull was double planked; a steam bent frame with an outer skin of mahogany with a flared bow and an external rudder aft.

[1] The owner's stateroom with toilet was forward, entered by a half spiral stair from the bridge, with two berths and storage.

Her name was struck from the Navy list on 2 October 1919, and she was sold on 2 January 1920 to F. Chester Everett of Maiden, Massachusetts.