Wilrose II was built as a civilian motorboat of the same name in 1908 by S. P. Noch at Stamford, Connecticut.

She was responsible for patrolling along that coastline and its harbors to protect them against enemy attack, primarily against the German submarine menace.

She pursued that duty through 11 November 1918, when the armistice with Germany ending World War I made such patrols unnecessary.

After the war, she remained in active service in the 6th Naval District at least until the waning months of 1919.

In January 1920, Wilrose II was slated for sale, and she was sold on 10 March 1920 to the Charles Dry Dock and Machine Company of Charleston, South Carolina.