She was named for the first coast artillery officer killed (at Hickam Field, Hawaii, on 7 December 1941)[2] in action in World War II.

Sylvester's embarked crew, designated, in Army terminology as the 12th Coast Artillery Mine Planter Battery, was implemented in November 1942 stationed at Fort Miles, Delaware.

After transfer to the United States Coast Guard in 1946 the ship was commissioned 1 February 1947 as USCGC Heather until 15 December 1967.

Assuming duties as flagship, MinRon 106, the same day, Obstructor served as a minesweeper tender for that task unit as it operated off Haiphong harbor, the island of Hainan and off Chinese ports during the next six months.

USCGC Heather (WAGL / WLB-331) was stationed at Mobile, Alabama and was assigned to tend Aids to Navigation (ATON) and conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) operations as needed.

[4][5] From 15 to 16 March 1961 she rescued the Greek M/V Dominator off Palos Verdes Point, California and transported survivors to San Pedro.