After her maiden voyage to Pearl Harbor in May 1917, Cuyama departed San Francisco 6 June, loaded petroleum products at Port Arthur, Texas, and arrived at Norfolk 6 July.

The oiler stood out of Norfolk 25 June 1919, and arrived at San Pedro, California, 7 August after fueling ships at Acapulco, Mexico.

Classified AO-3 on 7 July 1920, she remained on the west coast procuring and dispensing oil and gasoline cargoes, servicing ships, and occasionally transporting passengers, provisions, and freight, or towing yard craft.

Cuyama began her war service by carrying cargo between Pearl Harbor and San Pedro, Calif., from 27 December 1941 to 1 March 1942.

She cleared San Pedro once more 25 July loaded men, cargo, and equipment at Seattle, Washington, and arrived at Kodiak, Alaska, 11 August.