On 13 November 1917, the U.S. Navy's 1st Naval District in northern New England inspected her for possible World War I service and, found her acceptable.

The Navy authorized the Commandant of the 1st Naval District to accept Moosehead with full title from the United States Shipping Board when she was offered for delivery.

He was also told that instructions for conversion of Moosehead into a transport for special service would be furnished at some future time.

On 15 January 1919, the Commandant of the 5th Naval District received word that Moosehead was assigned to duty at the Washington Navy Yard temporarily.

The U.S. Navy adopted its modern hull number system on 17 July 1920, which would have spurred her redesignation as YFB-2047, but sources state both that she became YFB-2047 on 11 August[5] and on 8 November 1920.