Nightingale, a motorboat built by C. W. Ferguson, Groton, Connecticut, was acquired by the Navy from J. L. Hubbard, Groton, 11 June 1917 and commissioned 29 June 1917 at Newport, Rhode Island.

Operating in the 2nd Naval District, and based at Newport, Rhode Island, during World War I, Nightingale patrolled the experimental submarine zone off New London, Connecticut, throughout the fall, inspecting commercial vessels for district licenses and alternating duties with USS Magistrate (SP-143), patrolling the harbor entrance.

On special duty 18 September, she maneuvered with a Chilean submarine off Fishers Island.

Continuing patrol duty, Nightingale directed all commercial traffic from the experimental zone 31 October, shifting station to Fishers Island Sound 11 November.

She was sold to G. A. Ford Yachts Agency, New York City 15 December 1919.