The Arkansas-class monitors had been designed to combine a heavy striking power with easy concealment and negligible target area.

[4][5] Nevada was powered by two vertical triple expansion engines driving two screw propellers with steam generated by four Niclausse boilers.

[7] Nevada was designed to provide a range of 2,360 nautical miles (4,370 km; 2,720 mi) at 10 kn (19 km/h; 12 mph).

Assigned to the Atlantic Fleet's submarine force as a tender, Tonopah operated along the east coast from Massachusetts to Key West until January 1918.

Then briefly assigned to Bermuda, she was ordered to Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, Azores in February.