Vision was built as a private, wooden-hulled, "Express-Cruiser"-type screw motor launch of the same name in 1916 by the Albany Boat Corporation at Watervliet, New York, to a design by Thomas V. Taylor.

On 3 July 1917, the U.S. Navy acquired her under a free lease from her owner, L. E. Anderson, for use as a section patrol boat during World War I.

Assigned to the 2nd Naval District in southern New England and based at Newport, Rhode Island, SP-744 served on harbor and harbor entrance patrol duties, including patrols off the Naval War College and Rose Island, until November 1917.

After undergoing engine repairs from November 1917 to February 1918, she resumed patrols in the Newport area.

Proceeding via a succession of ports along the United States East Coast from New London, Connecticut, to Charleston, South Carolina, SP-744 arrived at St. Augustine, Florida, on 15 October 1918.