Completed in 1907, Faalua was subsequently owned in turn by Sherburn M. Becker and E. J. Steiner, both of New York City.

Wanderlust operated on section patrol duties in the 6th Naval District well into 1918, although she appears to have spent much time, initially, undergoing repairs for her temperamental engines.

When on patrol duty, Wanderlust stopped and boarded fishing vessels, ascertaining whether or not they carried proper navigational equipment and licenses that were in order.

Wanderlust conducted night harbor patrols at Brunswick, Georgia, from April 1918 into the late autumn of 1918.

She may have lain in reserve or performed dispatch services between 30 September 1918, when her deck logs end, and 2 February 1919, the date upon which she was struck from the Navy List.