4 was built as a private motorboat of the same name in 1915 by Britt Brothers [Wikidata] at Lynn, Massachusetts.

She was one of five motorboats built to the same design for private owners by Britt Brothers as part of the civilian Preparedness Movement program with an understanding that they would enter U.S. Navy service in time of war, the others being Patrol No.

4 for service during World War I as USS Patrol No.

4 operated in the 2nd Naval District, headquartered at Newport, Rhode Island, on coastal patrol throughout the period of the United States' participation in World War I.

After post-war decommissioning, she was returned to her owner on 17 March 1919.