Named for Daniel Turner, the destroyer was laid down by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation's Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts on 19 December 1918.

Between May 1943 and December 1944 Moosehead made an average of 11 round trips a month to San Clemente Island carrying passengers, mail, and cargo for the 11th Naval District.

Moosehead carried out her most important service as an at-sea platform for training officers and men of Combat Information Center crews.

In addition, she served as a test and evaluation ship for experimental rockets, radar equipment, and radio jamming devices.

Although Moosehead operated along the coast of southern California during her entire career under that name, she steamed more than 100,000 miles (160,000 km) and trained more than 4,200 officers and men.