[3] The construction contract for the lighter intended for service in Boston harbor, but shortly after trials diverted to New Bedford, was let on 5 March 1907 and builder's trials completed in October with construction having been completed six weeks before stipulated.

[3] Built for hard service in the port the vessel had strengthened towing bitts and ice guards and a hull with three watertight bulkheads.

[3] In a change of plan the lighter was to see service in New Bedford rather than Boston and on her delivery voyage met severe weather that incapacitated her engine room crew with seasickness making stops at Provincetown and Woods Hole necessary.

[1] New England was to serve as a packet boat between New Bedford and Martha's Vineyard as part of the revised duty.

[2] Assigned to the 2nd Naval District in southern New England and based at Newport, Rhode Island, New England operated as a tug, aiding ships arriving at and departing from Newport and ferrying supplies for the rest of World War I and into 1919.